[ad_1]
BANGKOK: The government of Thailand refrained from ordering new trade closures nationwide on Sunday (January 3) amid a new wave of coronavirus cases, but gave some provincial governors the power to set their own restrictions and pleaded with the public that did not travel.
Thailand, which had largely controlled the virus in mid-2020, saw a second wave of outbreaks starting in December.
On Sunday, it confirmed 315 new coronavirus cases, most of which are locally transmitted, bringing its total to 7,694 cases and 64 deaths since its first case last January.
READ: Bangkok imposes a partial blockade to combat COVID-19
The country also reported its first known case of a more contagious variant of the coronavirus called B.1.1.7 on Sunday, said Yong Poovorawan, a virologist at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, in a post on his official Facebook page.
The variant was found in a family of four who were in quarantine after arriving in Thailand from the UK, and Yong said there is no risk of that variant spreading in Thailand.
The current national outbreak is related to illegal border migration from neighboring Myanmar.
The COVID-19 government task force had previously designated 28 provinces, including Bangkok, as high-risk areas and recommended the suspension of some crowded businesses and activities in those areas that pose infection risks to the public.
The measures, which still need final approval from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, will allow provincial governors to suspend business and other activities if there is a risk of infection, said Taweesin Wisanuyothin, spokesperson for Thailand’s COVID-19 task force.
“We are asking people for cooperation first. We know tough measures are needed, but that could also lead to losses in other areas, so we need compromises and reasonable measures in place,” Taweesin said, adding that the government is also concerned. on the economic costs of further restrictions.
Some ministries and agencies have already issued new restrictions in their areas.
READ: COVID-19: Closures closed, curfews, alcohol bans as nations around the world fight virus resurgence
The Education Ministry ordered the closure of all public and private schools and vocational training centers from Monday to the end of January.
The Retail Association of Thailand also announced that all shopping malls across the country should close at 9 p.m. every day, an hour before the regular closing time, according to a statement.
The Bangkok authorities had previously closed entertainment venues, nurseries, gyms and massage parlors, while keeping shopping malls, restaurants and public parks open.
CHECK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments
Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram
