BANGKOK, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Ministry of Public Health on Monday told the media that it will propose plans to the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to lift some restrictions on businesses in 32 provinces across Thailand.
However, the ministry advised that wearing masks, safe-distancing and thermal screening should continue, as well as the practice of mandatory 14- day quarantine.
The move came as pressure mounted on the Thai government with the Ministry of Labour reporting a loss of seven to 10 million jobs.
Kamnuan Ungchusak, an adviser to the public health minister on the COVID-19 outbreak, said the government has always been trying its utmost to make an economic recovery. However, some businesses such as entertainment venues, pubs, bars, karaoke clubs, massage parlours and boxing stadiums should remain closed until the outbreak ends.
He said starting from April 14, no new COVID-19 cases had been reported in 32 provinces for over two weeks, hence some restrictions can be relaxed in these provinces from May 1.
Meanwhile provinces including Bangkok, Chonburi, Nonthaburi, Phuket, Samut Prakan, Pattani and Yala where new cases are constantly being found, may resume business from June onward, Kamnuan said.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Monday assured Thais that there will be a relaxation in lockdown measures as long as people strictly observe safe-distancing.
Prayut had also instructed the Ministry of Public Health to relax some disease control measures so that people can eventually return to their normal lives and the economy back on track. Enditem
