Thailand fears 'tens of thousands' of new Covid-19 cases, weighs curbs
BANGKOK (REUTERS) - Thailand is considering measures such as limiting large gatherings and banning alcohol sales in restaurants to discourage customers to avert a wave of coronavirus infections, a health official said on Wednesday (Jan 5).
The country reported 3,899 cases on Wednesday, up from an average of 2,600 daily cases towards the end of last year, and incidence of the Omicron variant itself has tripled from last month's holiday period, government data showed.
If measures like wearing masks and regular testing were not followed, infections could reach the "tens of thousands in the next two weeks", Ms Sumanee Watcharasin, a spokeswoman for the country's coronavirus taskforce, said.
She said the government will decide on new curbs on Friday and also review the suspended "Test & Go" scheme that allowed vaccinated arrivals to skip quarantine.
Since the pandemic began, Thailand has had a total of 2.2 million infections and nearly 22,000 coronavirus-related fatalities.
Residents were concerned about further disruptions to life.
"I'm so worried with the situation, but I'm being very cautious," said Ms Kundarat Yutakom, a 60-year-old shopkeeper in Bangkok who opened her shop after a seven-month interval on Wednesday.
Others feared a repeat of last year when cases surged, straining hospitals and leaving many untreated.
"We really need to be prepared so we don't have a repeat of events of July and August when people were dying on the streets," said Mr Chris Potranandana, the head of the Zendai Foundation, which helped people get medical help during last year's peak.
Thailand has vaccinated about 64.1 per cent of an estimated 72 million people living in the country with two doses, but only 9.7 per cent have received booster shots.
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now