Thailand Ministry of Health reports 27,560 new COVID-19 cases and an additional 85 deaths since yesterday. The ministry also announced an additional 25,077 patients recovered from the COVID-19 virus.
The communicable diseases committee of Prachuap Khiri Khan issued restrictions on activities to celebrate the Songkran festival. The ban is imposed on alcohol and water splashing to control the spread of COVID-19.
Prachuap Khiri Khan deputy governor Prompiriya Kitnuson also added that the participants of Songkran should be fully vaccinated. He gave the option to pass an antigen test 72 prior to the event for those not fully vaccinated.
Organizers of Songkran activities must seek prior permission from the committee and comply strictly with Covid Free Setting measures. Activities could include concerts and traditional activities in communities and religious places.
The committee prohibited water fights, powder smearing, foam and alcohol sales, and consumption at festive venues, Mr. Prompiriya said.
Water fights, powder smearing, and foam parties were also banned elsewhere, including on roadsides.
Access to festive venues must be restricted and requires health screening, and organizers must prevent crowding, the deputy governor said.
As Thailand prepares for the Songkran festival, local governments are instructed to prepare COVID-19 measures. Public health officials had previously warned that new infections could reach 100,000 per day unless precautions are taken during the festival.
The public health minister also called on those who plan to visit their families during the Songkran holiday to exercise extreme caution and avoid risky activities at least one week before travel to help keep their families, especially the elderly, safe from the virus.
“We are preparing to classify Covid-19 as an endemic disease, so we need to have the cooperation of all stakeholders.”