This the continuation of my special dispatches about the reopening of Thailand to fully vaccinated tourists. I will be sharing with you my firsthand experience of not only leaving Thailand but also coming back during the first week of reopening. I will also be doing a comparison between life in Thailand and in the UK during the pandemic. This dispatch is mainly about my journey to the UK onboard a Thai Airways flight and what happened when I arrived.
Around 48 hours before I flew to the UK, I had to fill out a Passenger Locator Form about my travel history and travel plans, and my vaccination status. Interestingly, the form also asked me if I had been to any of the islands in Thailand. I am not sure why. Thailand is now on the "non-red list" for the UK which means we don't have to do a pre-flight covid test and we don't have to do any form of quarantine on arrival if we are fully vaccinated. All we had to do was book an RT-PCR test for Day 2. Then in this form, I had to enter the test package booking reference number. The test will actually be done on Monday and so I can use the same results to get back into Thailand when I fly out on Wednesday morning.
I have been fully vaccinated in Thailand with AstraZeneca which is recognised by the UK government. Some of my friends are not so lucky as they had Sinovac for the first jab and AstraZeneca for the second. The other important recent development is that the UK government also recognises our vaccination certificates. But which one? I brought two with me. The green paper that was issued to me by the hospital after my second jab and the yellow vaccine passport, which I applied for later, which is meant for international travel.
At check-in at Suvarnabhumi airport, I was asked for my travel documents. She wanted to check the Passenger Locator Form and my vaccination certificate. I just want to add here that nothing on this form was checked by the UK government. As soon as I had filled out the online form, I immediately received an email with a PDF file containing my details and also a QR Code. This is in stark contrast to Thailand. I had to fill in a similar form called COE with travel plans and vaccination history. But, even though I applied for COE first, I am still waiting for final approval. I know some people who didn't get that approval in time and missed their flight. That's a worry for me as my return flight is already booked. I also want to add that the UK didn't ask for any proof of expensive insurance unlike Thailand. Even for foreigners.
Going back to the vaccination certificate. Many people asked me if we really need to carry the yellow vaccine passport when travelling abroad. They also asked if it is recognised. I can say that several of my friends, who went to America, were able to use the yellow booklet to get into venues where you had to show proof of vaccination. So, it works. But I don't know if the green certificate issued by my hospital works. So, that's what I am testing out on this trip. At check-in, I showed the hospital certificate and it was accepted. Now the question is whether it will be accepted on arrival in the UK. I will answer that question further down, once I have finished talking about the flight.
As I mentioned before, I am flying Thai Airways. Total journey time is 16 hours as we had to fly to Phuket first. I reckon that during the first leg of the journey, the plane was about 80% full. But most of those passengers got off in Phuket leaving less than 50 people on the airplane. I counted about 4 or 5 who boarded at Phuket airport. For the flight to Phuket I didn't have anyone sitting next to me or in front of me which was good as I have long legs and it was a bit cramped. After Phuket, they made a couple of announcements to say we weren't allowed to change seats. Which sounded crazy as most of us were grouped together. However, after the lights were dimmed the person on my row moved elsewhere and I was then able to lie down on the three seats to get some sleep.
Shortly after we left Phuket, at around midnight, they served us a hot meal. Obviously this is a dilemma as we would have to take off our masks to eat. As you are probably aware, Covid-19 is airborne and so it sounds like the worst idea to take off your mask in an enclosed environment where you cannot open the windows. For this trip, I brought along with me a CO2 sensor that acts as a kind of proxy for calculating the risk of Covid-19. It cannot of course tell you if there is a virus in the air, but it can tell you how good the ventilation is. The last thing that you want to be doing during a pandemic is breathing the air that has already been in the lungs of an infected person.
The base line for the CO2 sensor is around 500 ppm which is what it is outside in the fresh air. The airport was around 610 ppm which is good. It shows there is plenty of ventilation. Venues need to try their best to keep this number below 800 ppm. For the flight to Phuket, which was 80% full, the CO2 level peaked at 1,222 ppm. High but not as high as I thought it would be and certainly not as high as my 45 minute taxi ride to the airport that peaked at a crazy 3,190 ppm. So, really, there is more danger from taxis than airplanes. In addition, I am told that the Boeing aircraft has HEPA filters which does a good job of cleaning the air of viruses. What is also interesting to note, for the second leg to London, when there were only 50 passengers, the sensor reading stayed between 684 ppm and 870 ppm. So, with a low reading and the knowledge they were using HEPA filters to clean the air, I felt it was safe to take off my N95 for the short period I was eating. But, like everyone else, I kept it on for the rest of the journey. I am not going to risk it with two RT-PCR tests coming up that could change my immediate future if I test positive.
Before I forget, I want to give you an update about the quarantine hotel in Bangkok as quite a few people were asking for details about how long you had to wait for the test results. Notice what I did there? I called it a quarantine hotel as that is what it is. Although the prime minister said that the country is opening to fully vaccinated travellers from countries on the list, you are still being detained at a hotel for the first day at your own expense while you wait for the test results. The length of time is going to vary from hotel to hotel as some will test you at a swab centre, some will test you when you check-in at the hotel, and some will test you at set times. In my case, they will do at the hotel when I check-in. But the amount of time you have to wait for the results will vary depending on when you check in. If you are unlucky, you will have to wait until the next day. The following is for my hotel. Yours might be different.
* Check-in between 8:00am and 11:00pm and you will get your results before noon the next day
* Check-in between 11:00pm and midnight and you will get your results before 5:00pm the next day
* Check-in between midnight and 8:00am and you will get your results before 5:00pm on the same day.
Obviously, the last one is more attractive as you can then check out the same day. My flight is due to arrive at 6:15am. Even if it lands on time, and I get though the airport quickly, and then there is no traffic to the hotel, it is highly unlikely that I will meet the 8:00am cut-off time. Meaning I will have to stay in my room all day and all night until noonthe next day at the latest. By the way, the room rate includes three meals and 20% discount on food and beverage. It's going to be a long day and night. Even longer if my test results are positive. If I don't have any symptoms, I will be transferred to a 'hospitel' or field hospital where I have to stay at my own expense. If I have symptoms I will be admitted to hospital. I will try and get some more information about this for you later as this is something that is never really talked about when they are promoting Thailand as a tourist destination.
Just a quick update. I have just landed in the UK. They didn't ask to see any of my travel documents including my vaccination certificate. Obviously the UK is more open than Thailand at the moment. Or they are just more trustful. Heading to the hotel now to check-in and then do some exploring. No quarantine here but we have to do an RT-PCR test in a couple of days. I will give you another update tomorrow. Thanks for reading this far and see you next time.
10 Things we learned – and should learn — from Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe
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Thailand's powerful travel campaign "Travel is Back" courtesy of Gladiator star Russell Crowe ended this week with the Australian star bidding farewell to Bangkok on Twitter to his 2.7 million followers. "Goodbye Bangkok. Stay happy and busy and beautiful."
Crowe stirred up the Twitter community during his quarantine in Phuket and subsequent sojournin Bangkok to work on the Vietnam War-era flick by tweeting a series of #LostinBangkok messages.Through his photos, he shared his impressions of the Kingdom and his well-intentioned texts and pictures quickly turned him into Thailand's tourism ambassador. It should be noted that what he's done, free of charge, has lifted Thailand's tourism spirit just in time for thecountry's reopening on November 1.
Here are things we learned and should learn from the Hollywood superstar's visit.
"Less is more" is perhaps the most effective communication. Crowe didn't elaborate much at first but he tweeted photos with the tag #Lost in Bangkok.
The government and related officials could learn a great deal from him by using layman's language and simple words in real life. His "TRAVEL IS BACK" (yes, in capital letters) is so simple yet powerful. If one cares to learn, just read his most recent tweet on Thailand: "November 1st travel to Thailand opens up for double–vaccinated travelers from 46 countries with a minimal quarantine process….."
Visitors' aesthetics and the way they appreciate the Kingdom varies from one person to another. The chaotic street scene may fascinate many while some may appreciate a more orderly way of life. So promoting tourism should be as diverse as we've seen in Crowe's tweets. From the Hollywood actor's perspective, the attractions are temple, street, food, hospitality, Chinese Shrines, city skyline buildings, electrical poles, decorated street lights and waterways.
Some English signs would do visitors a great favour. The Hollywood star suggests English signs in places that are not customary tourist spots. "What bridges celebrate, who's the statue?"
The county's cultural scene like temples and old buildings is still attractive but the lifestyle and real lives of people can also be magnets. Not to encourage more or suggest it is great, but the infamous rat's nest of electrical and telephone wires amazes visitors. Crowe took one landscape photo with those messy wires. Perhaps after we put all wires and fiber cords under the ground, we could keep one spot somewhere safe to demonstrate how it is done before.
Food is still Thailand's strength. Think about it: why do all superstars and renowned international chefs come to visit Michelin–starred street food outlet Jay Fai (Supinya Junsuta)?
Hospitality that always works its magic:this is not the hospitality by the book as the Tourism Authority of Thailand tends to believe. It's real hospitality that matters.
We've said it more than enough but we have to say it again: Thailand should bemore pedestrian-and-bike friendly. Look at how Crowe enjoyed his bike tour around the city. It would have been more difficult had it happened during the non-pandemic time.
Paid influencers are not always working and the Tourism Authority of Thailand may not always spend massively hiring stars and celebrities to endorse tourism. The honest and genuine appreciation from guests is much more powerful.
A hero isn't forgotten. During his Thailand stay, Crowe took a photo with a Thai man most people did not recognize: "Met my hero today. Police Officer Anirut!" he wrote and everyone wondered who he was. His followers helped explained that he was Anirut Malee the police officer who disarmed a mentally distressed guy armed with a knife and he did it with empathy, compassion and a hug. Back in 2017, the Hollywood star tweeted the news about Anirut and said: Police Officer Anirut Malee, you are my new hero as he quoted a news tweet with headline "Anirut gave the attacker a big hug".
Chonburi announces 340 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 4 new deaths
Highlights:
340 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today
433 people recovered and were released from medical care
4 new deaths
The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 340 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with 4 new deaths, October 30th.
This makes a total of 100,880 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 5,664 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 713 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April.
Additionally, 433 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 94,503 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.
As for the four new deaths yesterday, three of them were elders aged between 72 – 81. They were close contacts from previous confirmed cases in their family according to the Chonburi Department of Public Health. They all had chronic health problems. None of them were vaccinated.
The district-level new cases were as follows today:
Mueang Chonburi 64, Si Racha 100, Banglamung (Pattaya) 35, Panat Nikhom 13, Sattahip 65, Ban Bueang 9, Phan Thong 6, Bor Thong 5, Soldiers in Sattahip 6, and 37 people transferred from other provinces for medical care
The details on the cases are as follows:
Work and stayed in Rayong, transferred from other provinces for medical care, 39 cases
Cluster, soldiers in Sattahip, 6 cases
Active case finding at a fishery community in Sattahip, 8 cases
Cluster, Makita Manufacturing company in Si Racha, 8 cases
Cluster, work camp of Rai Go Thong Construction and Service company in Si Racha, 5 cases
Risky occupation, meeting a lot of people, 18 cases
3 medical personal
Back from risky areas in Loei, 3 cases, Kanchanaburi, 1 case and Nong Khai, 1 case
Close contacts of confirmed patients in 99 families, in 69 workplaces, 3 from close friends, and one joined parties
Close contact of a confirmed patient (under investigation), 8 cases
68 cases in general are under investigation as to how they contracted Covid-19
Come Monday, Thailand will be lifting quarantine restrictions for travelers from more than 40 countries who have been fully vaccinated — even though less than half its population has been completely inoculated. //inserted mention of travelers needing to be "fully vaccinated"
As of Oct. 27, only about 42% of Thailand's population has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to Our World in Data. In comparison, other countries in the region like Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore have had more than 70% of their population fully inoculated against Covid.
The three Southeast Asian nations as well as Australia and China are on Thailand's list of approved countries, as the country prepares to reopen to tourists on Nov. 1.
As is evident in the other countries, the vaccination rate is way too low to prevent an outbreak, particularly with the Delta variant.
"Despite an impressive and admirable vaccination effort, full vaccination remains relatively low and uneven," the economists said. "As is evident in the other countries, the vaccination rate is way too low to prevent an outbreak, particularly with the Delta variant."
Still, they said a lockdown is not expected given the country's high risk tolerance, unless the country's intensive care unit capacity becomes overwhelmed.
Due to the uneven inoculation rate throughout the country, the available data may not reflect clearly the vaccination levels in places such as the capital of Bangkok. The deputy governor of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration recently told Singapore-based media outlet CNA that 75% of its residents have already been vaccinated with the second dose.
Tourism's importance to Thailand
Among the region's economies, Thailand is one of the "most dependent" on tourism, with the sector accounting for around 21% of GDP in 2019, according to Oxford Economics' Sian Fenner.
"Travel restrictions have come at a huge economic and social cost and has been a key reason why Thailand's economic recovery has lagged behind many of its peers in the region," said Fenner, lead Asia economist at the global advisory firm.
... we do not expect a full recovery in inbound travel to pre-Covid levels until 2025.
Sian Fenner
lead Asia economist, Oxford Economics
"We think the government's reopening of borders despite only about 40% of the population fully vaccinated reflects the country's significant reliance on foreign tourists," said Charnon Boonnuch, an economist at Nomura.
The Thai economy grew 7.5% year-on-year in the second quarter, according to government data. That growth level fell behind other regional economies such as Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines which grew between 11.8% and 16.1%.
Oxford Economics forecasts a full year GDP growth of 1.8% in Thailand this year, while Nomura sees Thailand's GDP growth in 2021 at 0.6%.
The return of international travelers, however, is not expected to be immediate as visitors may still face quarantine requirements in their home countries, according to economists.
"We do expect inbound tourism to rebound in 2022, but even then we still expect international arrivals to be some 66% below 2019 levels," Fenner said. "In fact, we do not expect a full recovery in inbound travel to pre-Covid levels until 2025."
Meanwhile, Bank of America economists highlighted that Chinese tourists — which accounted for about a quarter of Thai tourist arrivals in 2019 — are not expected to return till the second half of 2022.
China has largely closed its borders to international travel since last year and continues to pursue a strict zero-Covid strategy that has resulted in mass lockdowns even if only a few infections are reported.
Other parts of Southeast Asia are also looking to reopen their borders to international visitors, and that likely played a part in Thailand's push to welcome tourists again, according to Nomura's Boonnuch.
"The need for reopening was also rising due to increasing competition from neighboring countries which have relaxed border rules, such as Singapore which has a much higher full vaccination rate of 85%," he said.
Correction: This story has been updated to accurately reflect that the Bank of America note came out earlier in October, after the prime minister's announcement.
Come Monday, Thailand will be lifting quarantine restrictions for travelers from more than 40 countries who have been fully vaccinated — even though less than half its population has been completely inoculated.
As of Oct. 27, only around 42% of the Thai population has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to Our World in Data. In comparison, other countries in the region such as Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore have had more than 70% of their population fully inoculated against Covid.
Among the region's economies, Thailand is one of the "most dependent" on tourism, with the sector accounting for around 21% of GDP in 2019, according to Sian Fenner from Oxford Economics.
Come Monday, Thailand will be lifting quarantine restrictions for travelers from more than 40 countries who have been fully vaccinated — even though less than half its population has been completely inoculated. //inserted mention of travelers needing to be "fully vaccinated"
As of Oct. 27, only about 42% of Thailand's population has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to Our World in Data. In comparison, other countries in the region like Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore have had more than 70% of their population fully inoculated against Covid.
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Thailand's Covid-19 Center Committee announces more Covid-19 relaxations, effective Monday November 1st
The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has announced an easing of Covid-19 measures, including provincial rezoning and the lift of the alcohol ban at dine-in restaurants in some areas, effective from November 1st.
National –
According to CCSA spokesperson Taweesilp Visanuyothin, the maximum and strict controlled provinces, or dark-red zone provinces, are now reduced to only seven provinces, namely Chanthaburi, Tak, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Narathiwas, Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla.
Chonburi has been dropped from a "dark red" province and is now listed as the maximum controlled area or a red zone province while Bangkok has joined Krabi, Phang Nga, and Phuket in the "Blue Zone", a new category for provinces that is part of pilot tourism areas prior to the reopening of the country to vaccinated foreign tourists from November 1st.
The government will also lift its prohibition of alcohol sales in restaurants in four provinces in the Blue Zone and in high surveillance areas or the yellow zone.
However, Bangkok is pending the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) meeting this afternoon for further details and approval. In fact, this will in all cases depend on the governors of those provinces if they will allow alcohol sales at restaurants. (Phuket already had.)
There were also mixed messages on if tourist zones/districts in provinces (Like Hua Hin, Pattaya, Cha-am, or Chiang Mai) could sell alcohol in restaurants or if governors could allow them to do so and this is NOT YET CRYSTAL CLEAR. This will likely get further clarification later this weekend, although one may need to wait for the governor's orders. The press meeting did mention 13 specific districts (which includes Banglamung/Pattaya) being part of the tourist pilot zones but was not clear on if alcohol sales would be allowed at restaurants.
Curfews hours are still applied from 11:00 PM. – 03:00 AM. only in the remaining seven dark-red zone provinces. There will no longer be a curfew in Chonburi as of Halloween, October 31st. Social gatherings can be done under the approval of the provincial disease control committee based on provincial color coding.
Educational institutions and tutoring schools are allowed to return to on-site learning in November, and students will be able to return to their schools/universities BUT it must have the approval of the provincial disease control committee. Many provinces, including Chonburi, have already opted out of in-person schooling at the start of November, stating they are not ready yet. Overnight nursing homes and childcare centers can be operated normally in all provinces except in the dark-red zone where only day-to-day is still allowed.
Department stores, markets, cinemas, theaters, and convenience stores can be operated during their normal hours in all zoning areas except the dark-red zone provinces. Some businesses like arcades, game cabinets, and amusement parks inside the stores remained closed.
All of these eased measures will be put into effect this Monday, November 1st.
The CCSA also summarized the reopening measures and procedures for incoming foreign tourists who wished to travel to Thailand upon the reopening schemes. In short, Thailand is welcoming foreigners in November from three categories under different requirements as seen in the table below. Full details of the schemes can be found in the TAT press release HERE.
Starting from 1 November 2021, there will be only 7 provinces still in the Dark Red Zone or the maximum controlled and strict zones. Namely: Chantaburi, Tak, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Narathiwas, Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla.
There will be 38 provinces in the Red Zone or maximum controlled zone; 23 provinces in the controlled zones; 5 provinces in the High Surveillance areas, and 4 provinces in the pilot tourism areas (Sandbox program).
To clear the confusion regarding which areas are in pilot tourism areas, there are 13 provinces, only in specific districts which have been announced as pilot tourism scheme only in a specific area. And 4 whole provinces were announced as pilot tourism provinces: Bangkok, Krabi, Phang Nga, and Phuket, as shown on the screen.
Measures for the maximum controlled and strict zones including no gathering with more than 50 people, theatres and other entertainment venues can operate with no more than 50% of audiences in closed venues, and no more than 75% of audiences in open venues. Sport venues are allowed to open until 22.00 hrs.
For the maximum controlled zones, activities that gather people no more than 200 persons are allowed. Sport venues are allowed to open until 23.00 hrs. And other entertainment venues can operate with no more than 75% of audiences for closed areas.
While activities with no more than 500 people attended are allowed in the controlled zones, with entertainment venues to operate as usual but required to limit audiences with no more than 50% for indoor games and 75% for outdoor games.
For the High Surveillance zones, activities with no more than 1,000 people are allowed, Malls and salons can open as usual. Restaurants are allowed to open with dine-in options.
Nursery and elderly care facilities are allowed to open as usual for maximum controlled zones, controlled zones, high surveillance zones, and pilot tourism provinces.
There will be no curfew in other zones, except the maximum controlled and strict zones, from 23.00 – 03.00 hr.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said on Friday that 27 international flights are set to land in Thailand from November 1 to 5.
The country is reopening on Monday to three types of tourists, namely double jabbed visitors from 46 countries and territories, fully jabbed tourists allowed to travel in the 17-province "blue zone" and tourists who agree to undergo a 14-day quarantine.
CAAT said the 27 flights are scheduled to land in both Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phuket International Airport and will deliver 15,230 passengers.
The airlines include Korean Air, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, All Nippon Airways, Singapore Airlines, KLM, Air India, Edelweiss Air, Lufthansa, Air France, Etihad Airways among others.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said Thailand was ready to welcome tourists, especially those who come by air. CAAT has been instructed to release guidelines on entering and exiting the country in different languages and ensure the regulations are announced onboard every flight heading to the country.
Chonburi announces 382 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 1 new death
PHOTO: Covid-19 Center
Highlights:
382 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today
390 people recovered and were released from medical care
1 new death
The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 382 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with 1 new death, October 29th.
This makes a total of 100,540 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 5,761 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 709 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April.
Additionally, 390 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 94,070 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.
As for the one new death yesterday, she was a 66-year-old female elder which was a close contact from a previous confirmed case in her family according to the Chonburi Department of Public Health. She had chronic health problems and was not vaccinated.
The district-level new cases were as follows today:
Mueang Chonburi 71, Si Racha 90, Banglamung (Pattaya) 48, Panat Nikhom 18, Sattahip 34, Ban Bueang 15, Phan Thong 24, Bor Thong 6, Ko Chan 7, soldiers in Sattahip 14, and 55 people transferred from other provinces for medical care
The details on the cases are as follows:
Work and stayed in Rayong transferred from other provinces for medical care, 45 cases
Cluster, soldiers in Sattahip, 14 cases
Cluster, work camp of Rai Go Thong Construction and Service company in Si Racha, 4 cases
Cluster, Makita Manufacturing company in Si Racha, 12 cases
Risky occupation, meeting a lot of people, 12 cases
1 medical personal
Back from risky areas in Rayong – 17 cases, Udon Thani – 3 cases, and Prachuap Khiri Khan – 1 case
Close contacts of confirmed patients in 122 families, in 59 workplaces, 8 from close friends and two joined parties
Close contact of a confirmed patient (under investigation), 26 cases
63 cases in general are under investigation as to how they contracted Covid-19
A DOCTOR warned in a Facebook post that the coronavirus situation in northern Chiang Mai city has reached the breaking point with over a hundred patients emerging for days in a row and this contradicts the countdown to reopen the country to tourism on Nov. 1, Siam Rath newspaper said this morning (Oct. 28).
Dr. Rangsarit Kanchanavanich, professor of cardiology at Chiang Mai University's Department of Internal Medicine, said the situation is dire in this city with patients overflowing overloaded hospitals, including ICU, and caregivers have to arrange to home, community and temple isolation for patients.
The condition in Chiang Mai is now close to the nadir point Bangkok reached earlier this year, he added.
However provincial authorities have asked healthcare workers not to say that "hospital beds are full or there are not enough beds" despite the fact that the number of patients is now beyond the capacity of the provincial health system to support with doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers extremely exhausted.
Dr. Rangsarit also said that since the current governor came in, the number of cases have skyrocketed and this province has now overtaken all the other northern provinces as being the worst hit.
There are no additional measures to control the disease with the focus solely on reopening the city to tourists, he added.
Even so, he agreed that in the long term people have to learn to live with coronavirus in a more balanced way because the economic problems are now becoming severe.
Meanwhile the Public Health Ministry said this morning the daily Covid tally rose to 9,658 cases and 84 deaths from 8,452 cases and 57 deaths yesterday.
Of the new batch of cases 9,440 were among the general public while 218 got infected in prisons and detention centres.
This takes the cumulative confirmed total since April 1 to 1,856,110.
Another 8,526 patients were cured while today's 84 fatalities raised the death toll from April 1 to 18,912.
