BANGKOK, Apr 17 (NNN-TNA) – Thailand reported 1,582 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, the highest number in a day, since the pandemic began, rising for the third consecutive day, according to the Centre for the COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).
The latest wave of infections in the country brought the country’s total caseload to 39,038, with 97 fatalities.
Continuous spike in new infections prompted the country to introduce new restrictive measures, including closing schools and amusement parks, and banning sales of alcoholic drinks in restaurants nationwide, for at least two weeks starting from Sunday (tomorrow).
Gathering of more than 50 people will also be prohibited, said CCSA spokesman, Taweesin Visanuyothin, adding that, businesses are urged to allow employees to work from home, while interprovincial travel will be advised against.
The country will also apply region-specific containment measures, categorising 18 provinces as maximum controlled area, with the rest of 59 provinces being labelled as controlled area.
In the maximum controlled areas, including the capital Bangkok, restaurants will be ordered to close at 9:00 p.m., but can receive takeaway orders until 11:00 p.m. In controlled areas, restaurants can receive customers until 11:00 p.m.
Of yesterday’s new confirmed cases, 1,577 were domestic infections, while five others were imported cases, the CCSA said.
A total of 921 of the domestic cases were reported at hospitals, while 656 others were confirmed via active testing at communities and workplaces.
Thailand has so far confirmed 39,038 cases, with 28,480 patients having fully recovered and been released from hospitals, while 10,461 others are currently hospitalised.– NNN-TNA
