It seems that even as the world is fast approaching vaccination against Covid-19, the coronavirus is still determined to make the best of its remaining days.
Thailand, which previously said that they’re open to receiving even more tourists in 2021, is now fighting another wave of Covid-19 infections.
On 20 Dec 2020, it was reported that Thailand has locked down an entire province and has begun efforts to test tens of thousands of people.
Where It Started
According to the report, the outbreak this time started at a shrimp market in Samut Sakhon.
The province, a centre for seafood in Thailand, is southwest of Bangkok and home to thousands of migrant workers.
Four new Covid-19 cases were reported there on 18 Dec 2020 and by Sunday, the number spiked to 689 according to Thailand officials.
It Could Get Worse
Mr Kiattiphum Wongrajit, the ministry’s permanent secretary, announced at a press conference that this is just the beginning.
“Further results will show a lot more infections.”
According to Mr Kiattiphum, 40,000 people from Samut Sakhon and nearby provinces will be tested and by Wednesday, over 10,000 tests will be conducted.
Migrant workers, mostly from Myanmar, queued to take the test on Sunday, 20 Dec, together with some Thai nationals.
It was revealed that most of the cases discovered are asymptomatic cases.
Closedown Of The Province
Barbed wires could be seen surrounding the market.
Schools in three districts that border the province were ordered shut until 4 Jan.
For the province itself, the situation is expected to be brought back under control in two weeks to a month’s time by authorities.
Currently, it is under lockdown and has a nighttime curfew implemented until 4 Jan 2020.
The Thailand prime minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, took to Facebook to point out the need to cut out the epidemic “quickly”. He added that the Thai authorities are experienced in handling Covid-19 outbreaks.
Other Areas Implementing Measures Too
Meanwhile, in Bangkok, people were instructed to obey safe distancing measures while entertainment venues and restaurants are required to implement safe distancing.
New Year celebrations aren’t spared either and organisers were told to seek official permission before the events they’ve planned are allowed to continue.
Cambodia, which neighbours Thailand, has made it even more stringent for travellers from Thailand to enter.
You can also expect an increase in prices for shrimps export since Thailand is one of the top ten shrimp producers in the entire world.
That and 30% of Thailand’s shrimp export comes from Samut Sakhon.
Previously, it was reported that about a 100 Thailand nationals might’ve come into contact with confirmed-Covid-19 cases when four women, who were working in the notorious Myanmar border town of Tachilek, returned to the country.
The first woman who reached Thailand had travelled to the city and visited a shopping mall and karaoke bar, potentially putting her in contact with hundreds of people.
Hopefully, Thailand manages to keep the outbreak under control and keep their borders open to any traveller who’s rich enough for the special tourist visa.
Meanwhile, in Singapore, crowds of people were seen at malls and Orchard Road over the past weekend.
You can find out more here.
Feature Image: Cat Box / Shutterstock.com
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