By Linda Khoo Hui Li
BANGKOK, Dec 28 (NNN-Bernama) — Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan o-cha today instructed relevant authorities to tighten COVID-19 measures for public transport during New Year holidays, in bid to halt a surge in infections as concern rises over the rapid spread of Omicron variant.
Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Prayuth raised concerns over cross-provincial travel during the upcoming New Year holidays.
“He (Prayuth) has instructed Ministry of Public Health to liaise with Ministry of Transport and the Transport Co. Ltd. to come up with measures to accommodate a large number of public bus passengers during the period.
“Ministry of Transport was also instructed to ensure smooth road traffic flow starting Dec 29 to Jan 4,” he said in a statement.
Thanakorn said Public Health Ministry proposed all passengers on the public busses that have travel time of four hours and more should undergo test using Antigen Test Kits (ATK) and wear mask at all time.
Drivers and service providing staff should also act in compliance with the COVID-19 related measures, he said.
Thanakorn said Prayuth hoped the number of road accidents and casualties would be reduced during this festive season.
The Transport Co. Ltd. expects approximately 60,000 passengers per day (an average of 4,700 trips per day) during December 28 to 30, an increase of 3 per cent year-on-year and 50,000 passengers per day (an average of 4,500 trips per day) during January 2 to 3.
To date, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration said Thailand has recorded more than 500 Omicron cases, as of Monday.
Over the last 24 hours, Thailand recorded 2,305 COVID-19 cases and 32 deaths, bringing the total infections in the kingdom to 2,214,712 cases and 21,630 fatalities to date.
— NNN-BERNAMA