Worst case is nearly 32,000 COVID-19 infections daily – Thai research indicates. Thailand’s COVID-19 infections could reach nearly 32,000 cases per day in October, in a worst case scenario in which people do not comply with lockdown measures, said the spokesperson for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today (Monday), citing research by a Thai professor at Mahidol University. | Thai PBS World

Worst case is nearly 32,000 COVID-19 infections daily – Thai research indicates

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Thailand's COVID-19 infections could reach nearly 32,000 cases per day in October, in a worst case scenario in which people do not comply with lockdown measures, said the spokesperson for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today (Monday), citing research by a Thai professor at Mahidol University.

According to the research, by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuanchan Singkran of the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, using data up to July 17^th, 2021, if nothing is done to address the current spread of the coronavirus, daily new cases could reach 31,977 in the fourth quarter of this year. The best case scenario is 9,018 – 12,605 infections per day. The predicted average is 9,695 – 24,204 new infections per day.

In the worst case, daily infections may rise to 22,000 in August and September, but if vaccination rate goes according to plan, the figure may be in the 10,000 – 15,000 range, said CCSA Spokesperson Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin.

Urging everyone to comply with the new CCSA measures, taking effect on Tuesday, July 20^th, especially staying at home, Dr. Taweesin said the measures are designed to "limit travel and commutes", while acknowledging the inconveniences caused. "Please stay at your place unless necessary," he added.

Thailand recorded another new high of infections today of 11,784 cases and 81 deaths. Eight more clusters were found, at a metal factory in Samut Sakhon, a shopping mall in Chon Buri's Bang Lamung district, a plastics factory in Pathum Thani's Thanyaburi district, Nonthaburi's Sin Thong market, a furniture factory in Chachoengsao's Ban Pho district, a salt market in Sa Kaeo, a shopping mall in Lopburi and at a chicken processing plant in Phatthalung province.



Contagion scenarios www.bangkokpost.com/specials/covid19 The CCSA provided 2 models to predict future Covid-19 trends in Thailand. To prevent infections from rising, the CCSA has called on the public to comply with the government's restrictions. Bangkok Post



Phuket to strengthen Covid-19 measurements including limiting alcohol sales and drinks in restaurants. Pattaya News

Phuket to strengthen Covid-19 measurements including limiting alcohol sales and drinks in restaurants

Monday, 19 July 2021, 18:32

Phuket –

Phuket officials last night (July 18th) announced another measurement and temporary closure of places to "prevent the spread of Covid-19". The order was issued by Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew which takes effect tomorrow (July 20^th) until at least August 2^nd.

1. Places to remain temporarily closed are:

• All entertainment venues, pubs, bars, and karaoke establishments in Phuket. Officials have begun to crack down, according to them, on bars "pretending" to be restaurants. See the end of this article for more information.
• All animal fighting courts and fields, boxing, legal gambling dens, and other similar places.

2. New restrictions are:

• All department stores and shopping malls or similar places must close at 9pm.
• Alcohol sales and drinks are allowed in restaurants only until 9:00 P.M.The restaurant should be a proper restaurant and not a bar selling crisps and claiming they are a restaurant, according to officials.
• Convenience stores (normally open 24 hours) are allowed to open from 4:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M.
• Sport stadiums, gyms and fitness can still be open.
• Billiards and snooker venues can open from 3:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
• Internet and game cafes can open until 9:00 PM
• Cinemas and theaters and waterparks can open as normal time, except amusement parks and outdoor playing machines areas can open from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M..
• Gathering for activities, parties, and drinking in public places including beaches are banned.
• Activities with more than 150 people are prohibited
• Celebration events are being REQUESTED not to be held (such as birthday parties or other parties, especially at restaurants, etc)
• Traditional events and religious ceremonies such as weddings and funerals can be held under strict measurements.

The orders in Thai are below, followed by a note on bars pretending to be restaurants.

Over the past weekend, local officials in Rawai, Phuket cracked down on nine entertainment venues they claimed were pretending to be "restaurants" but were actually bars and primarily selling drinks and entertainment. Officials have warned that restaurants must be properly licensed and the primary activity should be selling and consuming food. Officials have warned they will continue to inspect local venues and ensure they are actually restaurants and not just bars.

TPN media notes Phuket is one of the few provinces legally selling alcohol in restaurants currently, primarily due to the "Sandbox" program allowing in-vaccinated foreign tourists without a strict quarantine.



Press Release: Thailand expands restrictions in 13 provinces, including Chonburi - Bangkok, 19 July 2021 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide an update on the newest round of COVID-19 restrictions announced for the 13 Maximum and Strict Controlled Areas or dark-red zone provinces, which will be effective for 14 days from tomorrow (Tuesday, 20 July 2021) and for those concerning public transport from Wednesday, 21 July 2021. The Pattaya News

Press Release: Thailand expands restrictions in 13 provinces, including Chonburi

Monday, 19 July 2021, 18:52

The following is a press release from the Thai Tourism Authority of Thailand. We have previously covered this information in separate articles of our own, however, share all major TAT PR announcements for reference. As of press time, the Chonburi Governor has not yet released a province-specific order addressing things like beaches or pools, for those wondering, but could come any moment.

Bangkok, 19 July 2021 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide an update on the newest round of COVID-19 restrictions announced for the 13 Maximum and Strict Controlled Areas or dark-red zone provinces, which will be effective for 14 days from tomorrow (Tuesday, 20 July 2021) and for those concerning public transport from Wednesday, 21 July 2021.

Published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on 18 July 2021, Thailand's Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Committee decided on the new restrictions following rising cases in the Maximum and Strict Controlled Areas or dark-red zone provinces. This has involved mostly the Delta variant, particularly among vulnerable groups (aged 60+ and those with underlying diseases), with most of the infections coming from home from within the family. Despite attempts to speed up vaccination, time is still needed to build herd immunity.

The CCSA also added Ayutthaya, Chachoengsao, and Chon Buri in the dark-red zone bringing the number of provinces to 13 in addition to Bangkok, and the five surrounding provinces – Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon – and four Southern Thai provinces – Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala.

The newest round of restrictions in the 13 dark-red zone provinces are as follows:

Restrictions on the movements of people

The night-time curfew remains unchanged between 21.00-04.00 Hrs. During the 7-hour period nightly, people are asked to remain at home and only to go out if necessary.

Outside of the night-time curfew, people are also asked only to go out if necessary, i.e., to shop for everyday items like food, medicine, and medical supplies, to visit the doctor, or to receive a vaccine. The relative authorities are asked to do whatever is necessary to distribute food and supplies to people to minimize hardship.

Checkpoints and screening are in place for travel between dark-red zone provinces and other areas.

Public transport is allowed to operate at only 50% of the seating capacity and must apply social distancing measures. The relative authorities are to ensure there is enough transportation services, especially for people with vaccination appointments. See: Interprovincial travel services adjusted from 21 July 2021

Restrictions and closure of businesses and services

Restaurants and eateries are allowed to offer take-away services only up until 20.00 Hrs.

Department stores, shopping malls, and community malls are allowed to open until 20.00 Hrs., and only for supermarkets, pharmacies and medical supplies, and vaccination centers.

Hotels can open per normal hours but are not allowed to hold any meetings, seminars, or banquets.

Convenience stores and fresh markets are allowed to open up until 20.00Hrs. All 24-hour convenience stores must close nightly between 20.00-04.00 Hrs.

Restrictions on the gatherings of people

Public and private organizations, as well as people, are asked to avoid any activities prone to the spread of disease where the number of attendees exceeds 5 people. Public and private organizations are advised to hold training, seminars, and meetings online.

Work from home

Government agencies are asked to have their employees work from home 100%, except for those providing services in public health, disease control, utilities, traffic, disaster prevention, and mitigation, law and order, and those with specific operating times to advance appointments. All must be done under strict disease control measures.

Private companies are also encouraged to have their employees work from home 100%.

What remains open?

Hospitals, medical facilities, medical clinics, pharmacies, shops, factories, banking, and financial services, ATMs, telecommunication services, postage and parcel services, pet food shops, building materials, and construction supplies stores, shops selling miscellaneous necessary items, cooking gas stores, petrol stations, and online delivery services are allowed to open as necessary under strict disease control measures.

Self-protective measures and distancing efforts

As usual, people nationwide are asked to continue abiding by the health and safety measures in place; such as wearing a face mask at all times while outside of their residence, regularly washing hands with soap and water/cleaning alcohol, and avoiding unnecessary close contact with others.

TAT would like to remind all travelers to continue with D-M-H-T-T-A precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19: D – Distancing, M – Mask wearing, H – Handwashing, T – Temperature check, T – Testing for COVID-19, and A – alert application.



“If the new infection rate is still high in the next two months, there is a possibility that we might have to impose a lockdown, like in Wuhan, China, to control the spread of the virus, where people have to stay at home and are not allowed to travel, to a point where food and water will be delivered to homes,” Dr. Opart said, adding that the measures will gradually intensify until the situation is under control. – DDC | Thai PBS World

Complete lockdown in two months possible if COVID-19 figures do not improve – DDC

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More intense COVID-19 measures may be imposed in Thailand the next two weeks, with a complete lockdown of cities a possibility in the next two months, if the rate of infections and deaths does not abate by then, said Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong yesterday (Sunday).

"If the new infection rate is still high in the next two months, there is a possibility that we might have to impose a lockdown, like in Wuhan, China, to control the spread of the virus, where people have to stay at home and are not allowed to travel, to a point where food and water will be delivered to homes," Dr. Opart said, adding that the measures will gradually intensify until the situation is under control.

Telling the media that he is concerned about the current rapid spread of COVID-19, Director of the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)'s operation centre and National Security Council Chief Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit yesterday said the current and upcoming measures are necessary to bring the situation under control but the authorities are doing their best not to affect people's livelihoods.

The general noted that certain places such as supermarkets are still allowed to open every day to reduce the risk of further spread of the virus due to congestion if they are allowed to open only on certain days.

Dr. Opart added that the government will sign a purchase contract later today to procure 20 million doses of vaccines, with deliveries expected in the last quarter of this year. 50 million more doses of Pfizer will also be sought. As for the 1.5 million doses of Pfizer donated by the US government, the lot is expected to arrive in Thailand next Thursday (July 29th). 

National Vaccination Rollout. Richard Barrow



  National Vaccination Rollout:

💉 DAY 33: 399,908

💉 DAY 34: 93,284 <— Saturday

💉 DAY 35: 100,025 <— Sunday

💉 DAY 36: 338,980

💉 DAY 37: 322,488

💉 DAY 38: 303,036

💉 DAY 39: 289,998

💉 DAY 40: 307,134

💉 DAY 41: 93,273 <— Saturday

💉 DAY 42: 74,834 <— Sunday

🔴 TOTAL: 10,198,075 doses

#Thailand

Monday Covid Update: 122,097 active cases; provincial totals. Bangkok remains the epicentre of infections with 2,134 new cases reported today. Chon Buri and Chachoengsao are now classified as “dark red” provinces with tight restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. 615 new cases were reported today in Chon Buri and 253 were reported in Chachoengsao. The Thaiger

Monday Covid Update: 122,097 active cases; provincial totals

By 

Caitlin Ashworth

Monday, July 19, 2021 14:06

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration reported a record high of 11,784 new Covid-19 cases and 81 coronavirus-related deaths. Since the start of the pandemic last year, the CCSA has recorded a total of 415,170 confirmed Covid-19 infections and 3,422 virus-related deaths. There are now 122,097 active Covid-19 cases in Thailand.

With the emergence of the highly transmissible Delta variant in Thailand, health officials predict that, worst-case scenario, daily infection rates could reach 20,000 to even 30,000. A spokesperson for the CCSA says that with a high vaccination rate, and cooperation from society, then the worst-case scenario can be avoided.

Bangkok remains the epicentre of infections with 2,134 new cases reported today. Cases are still high in provinces surrounding the capital, which are classified as "dark red" zones under maximum control to combat the coronavirus. 765 new cases were reported in Samut Sakhon, 494 in Saraburi, 485 in Pathum Thani, 484 in Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya, 483 in Samut Prakan, 381 in Nonthaburi, and 239 in Nakhon Pathom.

Chon Buri and Chachoengsao are now classified as "dark red" provinces with tight restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. 615 new cases were reported today in Chon Buri and 253 were reported in Chachoengsao.

Infections are on the rise in the Northeast region known as Isaan. 221 new cases were reported in Ubon Ratchathani, 173 in Buri Ram, 154 in Udon Thani, 138 in Nakhon Ratchasima, 129 in Roi Et, 125 in Si Sa Ket, 119 in Maha Sarakham, 103 in Surin, and 101 in Chaiyaphum.

Out of the new infections, 100 were found in correctional facilities. The latest wave spread to Thailand's overcrowded prisons, infecting more than 30,000 inmates.

Provincial totals by the government's news bureau…



Restrictions in effect for at least 14 days from July 20th. PRD

 

Concern over conflicting Covid tests on Sandbox tourists.Provincial authorities are concerned that almost half the foreign tourists who have tested positive for Covid-19 since July 1 were detected on arrival at the airport, when they had tested negative before obtaining a certificate of entry allowing them to board their flight. They have raised the issue with the Foreign Ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Bangkok Post

Concern over conflicting Covid tests on Sandbox tourists

A couple enjoys a dip in the sea on Tuesday, as Phuket remains open to overseas foreigners who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. (Photo: Reuters)

PHUKET: Provincial authorities are concerned that almost half the foreign tourists who have tested positive for Covid-19 since July 1 were detected on arrival at the airport, when they had tested negative before obtaining a certificate of entry allowing them to board their flight.

They have raised the issue with the Foreign Ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The director of Vachira Phuket Hospital, Chalermpong Sukhonthaphol, said on Monday that  provincial officials had consulted the two government agencies over the conflicting test results. 

As of midnight Saturday, 16 tourists have tested positive for Covid-19 since arriving in the sandboxed island province. Seven of them were detected at Phuket airport.

Another tourist was detected with the coronavirus about three days after arrival.

Dr Chalermpong said neither he nor provincial governor Narong Woonciew said that issuing of the certificate of entry (COE) needs to be more strictly controlled. But they did question the high number of conflicting test results for people with a COE who are tested again on arrival.

Phuket opened the door to fully vaccinated tourists from July 1. One of the requirements is to obtain a COE from an embassy or consulate to allow them to board a flight to the island. That requires a negative Covid-19 test no more than 72 hours prior to departure.

A total of 7,462 foreign visitors had arrived in the province as of midnight Saturday, according to official figures.