Thailand Ministry of Health reports 8,263 new COVID-19 cases and an additional 14 deaths since yesterday. The ministry also announced an additional 2,865 recovered patients.
In light of the COVID cases continuously increasing, CCSA approved an alcohol ban in 69 provinces. The alcohol ban begins on Sunday, January 9, 2022. Pubs and karaoke bars are expected to remain closed. They were provided an option to obtain a permit to operate as a restaurant. The permit can be requested through the provincial communicable disease committees. Provinces that are part of the sandbox schemes are allowed to serve alcohol until 10:00 PM.
The TEST and GO program has been suspended indefinitely. In compensation, additional provinces were added to the sandbox scheme. The provinces are Koh Samui, Koh Pangan, Koh Tao, Krabi, Phanganga and Phuket.
The public is still encouraged to continue vaccination, observe social distancing, wear masks, and sanitize their hands as often as possible. These are simple steps that can strongly help prevent the spread of the virus.
Stay tuned for more Thailand COVID situation updates.