With the Covid-19 numbers climbing a Level 4 Covid-19 Alert for Thailand has been reinforced by the Thai government.
This is just to remind the population that although things may seem relaxed, they should remain vigilant in helping to prevent the spread of Covid-19
Level 5 is the highest alert level. A level 4 alert was declared on January 6th 2022, due to the increasing numbers in the kingdom of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
Increased Knowledge and Awareness
The Thai government stresses that this will not change its policies for Covid-19 and that is is only reinforcing the public knowledge of the alert levels to increase knowledge and awareness.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Kiatipoom Wongrachit, reminded all provincial public health organizations yesterday, February 21st, to maintain compliance with their recommendations on the level 4 Covid-19 alert, announced in January in order to maintain control the epidemic to a stable level, as much as possible.
Only Recommendations
When questioned, Dr. Kiatipoom stated that under level 4 the recommendations are just that they are not compulsory, nor are they mandates.
He compared them to advice from your doctor to stay away from fatty foods and eat less salt, they are recommendations, not laws.
The level 4 alert suggests that people limit their travel, avoid inter-provincial travel as much as possible, work from home if possible, avoid social gatherings, avoid drinking alcohol in groups including at restaurants, avoid public events, among other things.
They do not prevent the drinking of alcohol in restaurants, nor the gathering of individuals etc. But, the guidelines do ask all members of society to remember that these guidelines serve a purpose to help to contain Covid-19 as much as possible. People should avoid large gatherings, and risky activities.
CCSA to meet February 23rd
The CCSA Center for Codid-19 situation administration is set to meet today February 23, 2022 and review the current restrictions nation wide. When pressed if the Ministry of Public Health would ask for stricter guidelines, Dr. Kiatipoom stated that The Ministry is not seeking to re-introduce the old stricter measures as while the numbers of infected persons are high, the number of hospital beds are sufficient at present. If these numbers change and more people become hospitalized then things may change.
The situation is fluid and things can change quickly.
Summary
In summary, Thailand remains at level 4 alert. Public gatherings are still allowed and alcohol is still sold in restaurants. The Ministry of Public Health reminds the population that the guidelines are just that, but that they serve a purpose to reduce infections. People should still avoid public gatherings and risky activities. They should still wear masks, practice social distancing, use hand gel, and stay home. The numbers in Thailand are still climbing and we all must do our part to limit the spread of Covid-19 as much as possible.
