Thailand Urges Public In High-Risk Areas To Work From Home To Curb Covid-19

Nationwide Covid-19 measures in Thailand

Working from home has become the new normal, and due to hundreds of cases being reported daily in Thailand, new nationwide measures have been implemented in the country to curb the virus.

From splitting provinces into different zones and the closure of public spaces, the government is now urging the public to take work from home measures more seriously.

Recent Covid-19 updates:

• Hotels to be temporary hospitals to ease overcrowding
• Phuket beach deserted this Songkran season
• Thai private hospitals given the green light to import vaccines

Maximum controlled areas in Thailand 

On 16th April 2021, there were 1,582 total cases in Thailand, with 312 of the cases being from Bangkok, reported Thai PBS World. According to the Ministry of Public Health, provinces that are in the red zone are high-risk areas. 

Here is the list of 18 red zone areas:

1. Bangkok
2. Chiang Mai
3. Chonburi
4. Khon Kaen
5. Nakhon Pathom
6. Nakhon Ratchasima
7. Nonthaburi
8. Pathum Thani
9. Prachuap Khiri Khan
10. Phuket
11. Rayong 
12. Sa Kaeo
13. Samut Prakan
14. Samut Sakhon
15.  Songkhla
16. Suphanburi
17.  Tak
18. Udon Thani

Image credit: The Ministry of Public Health via Richard Barrow

The ministry is also encouraging those who are located in these high-risk areas to work from home for two weeks. Even though working from home has already been encouraged, a rise in cases daily is still expected,  shared Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the Director-General for Department of Disease Control (DDC), as reported by NNT. 

Closure of public spaces 

In effect since 15th April 2021, department stores and fitness centres can only operate until 9PM nationwide in order to avoid mass gatherings, and night markets and corner stores are to be closed from 11PM to 4AM.

Furthermore, nationwide bans on other nightlife venues such as bars will be closed until 30th April 2021, announced on Coconuts Bangkok. 

Thailand’s Public Health Dr. Anutin Chanvirakul also shared that the closure of educational institutes will be suggested to the Thai government, according to NNT. 

Stay at home, and stay safe

Even though there are signs of closure in public spaces and possibly another lockdown, this can be seen as a good sign to stay home and keep ourselves safe from the virus. 

More quarantine updates:

• Bangkok hospitals pause Covid-19 testing due to overcrowding
• Thailand shortens quarantine period to 7 days 

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