More intense COVID-19 measures may be imposed in Thailand the next two weeks, with a complete lockdown of cities a possibility in the next two months, if the rate of infections and deaths does not abate by then, said Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong yesterday (Sunday).
“If the new infection rate is still high in the next two months, there is a possibility that we might have to impose a lockdown, like in Wuhan, China, to control the spread of the virus, where people have to stay at home and are not allowed to travel, to a point where food and water will be delivered to homes,” Dr. Opart said, adding that the measures will gradually intensify until the situation is under control.
Telling the media that he is concerned about the current rapid spread of COVID-19, Director of the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)’s operation centre and National Security Council Chief Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit yesterday said the current and upcoming measures are necessary to bring the situation under control but the authorities are doing their best not to affect people’s livelihoods.
The general noted that certain places such as supermarkets are still allowed to open every day to reduce the risk of further spread of the virus due to congestion if they are allowed to open only on certain days.
Dr. Opart added that the government will sign a purchase contract later today to procure 20 million doses of vaccines, with deliveries expected in the last quarter of this year. 50 million more doses of Pfizer will also be sought. As for the 1.5 million doses of Pfizer donated by the US government, the lot is expected to arrive in Thailand next Thursday (July 29th).
