Thailand: COVID-19 state of emergency extended until October 31 /update 46

Event

Thai authorities will extend the country's state of emergency through October 31, amid efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The decision marks the sixth extension of the emergency measures, originally imposed on March 26, which have led to criticism of the government and nationwide protests. The state of emergency allows the government to implement mandatory quarantine orders and manage other outbreak control measures without public approval, but restrictions have been eased in many areas of the country since May. Additional restrictions and measures, nevertheless, remain in place nationwide amid the ongoing pandemic.

The state of emergency extension comes as the government prepares to reopen parts of the country's tourism economy, with the first foreign tourist groups expected to arrive in Phuket from October 8, followed by European visitors in November.

Thai authorities eased entry restrictions for some foreigners on August 4. Permanent residents and work permit holders, as well as their spouses and children, foreign nationals with special arrangements, including migrant workers whose employers have been given approval for their employees' entry, and those with a Thailand Elite Card, a program for frequent business travelers, have been permitted to enter Thailand. However, those entering the country must adhere to health protocols and undergo a 14-day quarantine period at designated facilities.

As of Monday, September 28, there have been 3523 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Thailand and 59 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.

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