Thailand resumes Test & Go
Last month, Thailand saw a surge in Covid-19 cases, particularly of the Omicron variant. To combat transmission, officials decided to temporarily hit ‘pause’ on the country’s one-night quarantine programme, Test & Go.
Recently, officials have been discussing reinstating the programme after case numbers appear to have leveled out. It seems that those discussions have now become a reality.
Today, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Thai government has officially announced the resumption of Test & Go from 1st February 2022.
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Test & Go programme reinstated
The Test & Go scheme that requires arrivals only quarantine for one-night providing that they test negative for Covid-19 will resume on 1st February 2022, as published by Richard Barrow in Thailand.
Officials publicised this on 20th January 2022 along with some modifications to the original scheme.
Previously, travellers were required to isolate for only one night. Under the revised plan, travellers must provide evidence of a hotel booking for at least five nights, according to The Nation.
As part of the announcement, the CCSA stated that all nationals are welcome to participate in the Test & Go programme.
While this is a much-celebrated announcement, the source has added that the rules are subject to change.
Here are the current regulations.
Book a partnering hotel on the first and fifth night
While discussing the return of the Test & Go programme, the CCSA clarified a couple measures:
- Travellers must provide proof of payment for two RT-PCR tests to apply
- Travellers must stay in a SHA Extra Plus hotel – that’s partnered with a hospital – on Day 1 and 5 of their visit
- Travellers’ insurance must cover both quarantine and hospitalisation in the event of a positive Covid-19 test
Travel responsibly
We’re just as – if not more – thrilled about the reinstatement of the Test & Go programme as everyone else. The resumption marks another step towards normalcy for Thailand’s travel landscape.
However, it doesn’t mean that the situation has completely blown over.
While travel restrictions have relaxed and case numbers have lowered, it’s still just as important to remain vigilant about social distancing, washing your hands and wearing a mask.
Cover images adapted from: Rainer Viertlboeck via Arch Daily
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