Thailand hits 11,784 Covid-19 cases
Weeks ago, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) stressed that the Land of Smiles could see 10,000 new daily cases due to the fast-spreading nature of the Delta variant. This warning has come true – we saw 11,397 new infections on 18th July 2021 and 11,784 Covid-19 cases today, 19th July 2021.
These rising case numbers have forced the Thai Government to implement tighter measures to curb the spread of the virus. Here are the new restrictions, and what they mean for everyone.
Our most recent Covid-19 updates:
- Seniors above 60 can register for AstraZeneca shots
- Thailand logs 9,186 new Covid-19 cases
- Hua Hin to reopen to overseas guests by 1st October
- “Sinovac Salesman” added to virologist’s Wikipedia credentials
11,784 Covid-19 cases lead to tighter measures
On 19th July 2021, Thailand recorded 11,784 new Covid-19 infections. The steadily rising case numbers over recent weeks have led the Thai Government to tighten regulations, specifically in “Dark Red” zones under Section 9 of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations (2005), reported PR Thai Government.
The new measures announced on 18th July 2021 are as follows:
- F&B businesses may operate until 8PM and provide take-home services only
- Shopping centres will operate until 8PM
- Only supermarkets, pharmacies, vaccination venues and medical service areas are allowed to remain open
- Convenient shops will operate from 4AM until 8PM daily
- Night markets will operate until 8PM
- Hotels will operate as usual
- Activities such as meetings, catering and seminars are not permitted
- Group activities are limited to five people
These restrictions were will come into effect from 20th July 2021, and will last until 2nd August 2021.
Cases led to grounded domestic flights
Other government bodies are also imposing new regulations to curb the spread of the virus. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has suspended inter-provincial flights in and out of Dark Red Zones, according to National News Bureau of Thailand‘s post from 18th July 2021.
The suspension will come into effect on 21st July 2021. Exceptions include:
- Travel to and from the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Plus reopening programmes
- Medical flights
- Emergency landings
In addition, the CCSA has added three more provinces – Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, and Ayutthaya – to the list of “Dark Red” provinces on 18th July 2021. Here is an updated list of Dark Red zones as presented by NNT:
- Bangkok
- Nakhon Pathom
- Nonthaburi
- Pathum Thani
- Samut Prakan
- Samut Sakhon
- Pattani
- Narathiwat
- Yala
- Songkhla
- Chachoengsao
- Chon Buri
- Ayutthaya
Will Covid-19 change the way we travel?
Ever since the pandemic struck, many flights have been grounded in order to curb the virus. This has heavily affected the aviation industry. This leaves us to question whether or not if these cancelled flights will change the way we travel in a post-Covid-19 world.
Who knows? Maybe tech can create a new mode of transportation.
What do you think? How will we travel more efficiently besides flying, taking cruises, or crossing borders by rails?
Cover image adapted from: @yuyeet.aviation
Image for illustration purposes only
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