Restrictions to be relaxed as omicron threat appears to subside: Anutin

The great unpuckering has begun with the promise that plans to ease restrictions and lower the threat level will be discussed tomorrow.

As the latest outbreak appears to taper off, Anutin Charnvirakul said the health ministry would propose ways to ease up on travel and other economy-crippling measures at Thursday’s meeting of the COVID-19 task force, as well as lower the health threat level.

If all goes well, he vowed to restore next month the so-called Test & Go travel program, which granted entry to vaccinated travelers in November and December. Its suspension last month has put the squeeze back on the nation’s tourism-reliant economy.

The ministry is also considering implementing more sandbox programs in provinces in all regions but won’t consider reopening entertainment venues just yet, as they are still considered high risk and responsible for spread of the disease.

Infections for the past few days have leveled off, with today’s new cases totaling 7,122 confirmed cases and 81,602 hospitalized. Yesterday saw 6,397 cases and 81,952 hospitalizations. Even if the spread is significantly undercounted, the recent plateau in hospitalizations suggests things are looking up.

However, as of yesterday, Bangkok is leading the nation in daily transmission with 753 new cases, significantly topping previous record holder Chonburi’s 556.