Thailand’s coronavirus infection rate continues to fall, to 28 from yesterday’s 29, as the number of patients in hospital reduces to 964, falling below 1,000 for the first time in several weeks.

CCSA spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin said today that just 28 new COVID-19 cases reported today are a good sign, adding that no new cases have been reported in 27 provinces for the past 14 days.

He added, however, that Thailand must meet the six-point guideline, set by the World Health Organization, before it can ease lockdown restrictions, imposed to curb the spread of the disease.

He said that the CCSA committee will meet within a week to assess the coronavirus situation, to consider whether the curfew should be extended and whether any lockdown measures can be eased to allow some businesses to reopen.

Dr. Taweesin cited, for example, the reopening of barbers’ shops and shopping malls, but in strict compliance with social distancing.  For barbers, he said the seats must be about one metre apart and waiting customers will be issued with a queue ticket, instead of waiting inside the premises, and the shop can only open for two hours per day.

In the case of shopping malls, he said customers must wear face masks at all times and only shops deemed essential will be allowed to reopen, while any activity which may draw people together will remain prohibited.

“Wearing a face mask, social distancing and washing hands frequently must be the new normal practice for all Thais,” said the CCSA spokesman.

According to the CCSA, there was one new fatality reported today, bringing the death toll to 47.  The victim was a diabetic 85-year old housewife in Chumpon province with high blood pressure.  After being in close contact with infected people, she was put on a respirator after being admitted to hospital on April 12^th with a fever, cough and breathing difficulties.  She died yesterday.

Cumulatively, infections in Thailand are 2,700, with 1,689 recoveries and 964 still in hospital.

A total of 132 AFS exchange Thai students are due back from the US today, arriving at Suvarnabhumi international airport. They will be followed by another 131 tomorrow, arriving at U-Tapao airport in Chon Buri province.  All arrivals will enter state quarantine.

The 27 provinces which have not reported a new infection for the past 14 days are Chiang Rai, Phetchaburi, Phetchabun, Phrae, Mae Hong Son, Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Buri Ram, Maha Sarakham, Muk Dahan, Yasothon, Roi-et, Ratchaburi, Lop Buri, Lamphun, Si Sa Ket, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Sukhothai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Amnat Charoen, Udon Thani, Uttradit, Uthai Thani, Kalasin and Nong Khai.