People living in “maximum controlled and restricted” or “Dark Red” areas of Thailand are being told not to leave their residences unless it is necessary to buy food or medicines, to seek medical treatment, to get vaccinations or to go to their offices because they cannot work from home.

This new lockdown measure, imposed by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Saturday, becomes effective on Tuesday and is on top of the other restrictions in force, since last Monday, to contain the deteriorating COVID-19 situation in the country.

The CCSA, in its latest announcement, has also adjusted pandemic zoning to reflect the actual situation in the country’s provinces.

Other lockdown restrictions, imposed since last week, will be extended until August 2^nd. These include the 9pm-4 am curfew, a ban on public gatherings or activities of more than five people, closure at 8pm of all eateries and supermarkets, including those in shopping malls, convenience stores, pharmacies and fresh markets. Dine-in services at all eateries are prohibited and convenience stores can open from 4am until 8pm.

A passenger limit on public transport of 50% of the loading capacity is also enforceable, starting on Wednesday.

Provincial governors are, however, empowered, with the consent of their local communicable disease committee, to order the closure of businesses and activities which are deemed to be at risk of contributing to the spread of the disease.