The government should extend emergency measures through the end of May, the nation’s pandemic task force said today.
The government’s COVID-19 response team announced that the Emergency Decree enacted in late March should remain in place, a decision likely to be adopted by cabinet on Tuesday. The emergency gives the authorities broad leeway to institute measures deemed necessary to stem the spread of COVID-19.
Disease Control Department spokesman Taweesilp Wissanuyothin said restrictions that should be left in place include the overnight curfew, a ban on public gatherings and admonitions against travel between provinces. Inbound flights from abroad are also banned until May 31.
He did not announce any specific measures that might be relaxed but said to expect such decisions to be announced tomorrow.
Working from home is still encouraged, according to Taweesilp, while people should wear masks at all times when going out.
Diminishing reports of new infections have created the impression that the virus is in retreat in the kingdom despite its spread in neighboring countries. Concerns remain that limited testing and the government’s unwillingness to expand it could mask a broader outbreak.
The nation today reported only nine new cases, the lowest in over a month, and one new death. The new figures raise the number of infected to 2,931, with 52 killed since the outbreak began.
