Picture: INN
Thailand's health minister and DPM has praised Thailand in remarks comparing the kingdom with the Covid-19 situation in the USA.
In comments reported by INN he said that the number of infections was coming down but the focus should be on the seriously ill. He noted that the USA has had a very high death toll. Despite Omicron being mild.
He also noted that many people in the USA were still unvaccinated.
He praised Thais for their spirit of cooperation particularly for their mask wearing compliance and hand washing.
This was true even when they went on their travels up country.
He conceded that the lifestyle in the US was different.
He called for continuing vigilance and observance of protocols along with ATK testing at the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations in Thailand that start on Tuesday.
He said there were no new travel restrictions in place for the festival and no new limits on gatherings.
He said that many things had to be considered before it could be said that the disease was endemic in Thailand - that was not something that could be announced tomorrow.
Other reports have been suggesting that the country will declare Covid endemic rather than a pandemic before the year is out irrespective of what the WHO might say, notes ASEAN NOW.