Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said today (Wednesday) that he is seeing signs that the COVID-19 spread in Thailand is slowing and the pandemic may reach its peak soon, if the current lockdown measures are strictly observed, with infections hopefully decreasing in September.

The prime minister said that daily new recoveries have been exceeding new infections recently, which is a good sign. He remains, however, concerned about the high number of deaths, saying that nobody wants to see another. Thailand reported a new record daily death toll high of 312 today, a big leap from yesterday’s high of 239.

Mr. Prayut also cited the Public Health Ministry’s claim that, if the lockdown efficacy is increased, it will help reduce the number of new cases and deaths. Therefore, the Centre of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has decided to extend the current lockdown measures until the end of August.

The Prime Minister also asked for everyone’s cooperation, which will help to reduce the number of new infections and deaths. He is promoting the concept of “Universal Prevention”.

“Universal Prevention” includes:

• Going outside only when necessary
• Keeping 1-2 metres distance from others everywhere
• Wearing facemasks at all times, both outdoors and at home, if there are more than two people in the house and especially if you are living with elderly or vulnerable people
• Washing your hands frequently, before a meal, after using the bathroom, after sneezing, coughing or touching common areas. Assume that everyone, including infected people have touched it
• Avoiding direct hand contact with your facemask, your eyes, nose and mouth
• Elders and vulnerable people should not leave the house. If unavoidable, go outside for the shortest time possible
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces
• Separating personal items and not sharing them with others
• Eat, but do not share, hot or fully cooked food
• If you think you are at risk, you should use an Antigen Test Kit to test yourself for COVID-19 or get tested at the nearest hospital.

He reminded people that anyone has the chance of encountering a COVID-19 infected person, so he is urging everyone to follow the universal prevention measures strictly.