A man crosses the road on Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok on July 12, 2021, on the first day of stricter lockdown restrictions to try to contain the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.
Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP
The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has decided to extend current lockdown restrictions, due to expire on Monday, until end of August and to expand the COVID-19 “Dark Red” zone provinces from the current 13 to 29.
133 more deaths and 18,027 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Thailand today, as infections continue to rise steadily.
Cumulative infections, since April 1st this year, are 586,451, with 377,896 having recovered. 205,002 are undergoing treatment.
The CCSA decided, however, to ease restrictions on eateries in malls and department stores by allowing them to open, but for take-away orders only.
The 16 new “Dark Red” provinces are Tak, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Prachin Buri, Phetchaburi, Phetchabun, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Lop Buri, Sing Buri, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi and Ang Thong.
The number of “Red” zone provinces has been reduced from 53 to 37 and “Orange” zone provinces have been increased from 10 to 11.
Restrictions in “Dark Red” provinces include a 9pm to4am curfew and people are asked to stay home at all times and only go out to buy food and medicine or to see doctors or to get vaccinated. Public transport is allowed to operate at only 50% of seating capacity and enforce social distancing measures.
Interprovincial travel is restricted. Sports fields, public parks, public swimming pools, botanical gardens, competition venues, art galleries meeting centres, public performance centres, learning centres, museums, day care centres, hairdressers, manicure and tattoo parlours are to remain closed.
Convenience stores, mall and department stores are to close at 8pm.