The Thai government’s Covid-19 task force meets today to discuss downgrading Covid-19 to a communicable disease under surveillance. The virus is currently classified as a dangerous communicable disease. Nation Thailand reports that a Public Health Ministry proposal to downgrade the illness goes before the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration today.
CCSA operations director, Supot Malaniyom, says that if approved, the downgrade would take effect from October 1. Officials will also decide what laws would still be required in that situation, with the possibility that the CCSA itself could become a thing of the past.
However, even if Covid-19 is downgraded to a less serious illness, Supot says it’s likely the emergency decree will still be required. He explains that the decree is necessary for the control of arrivals and departures into and out of Thailand – and to prevent any activity that could cause the virus to spread. Mass political gathering, anyone?
Also being discussed at today’s meeting is another health ministry proposal to distribute Covid-19 treatments to private hospitals and healthcare facilities before the medication becomes available at drug stores. However, such treatment will still require a doctor’s prescription.
If Covid-19 is downgraded, provincial communicable disease committees will need to prepare a plan for declaring the virus endemic.
It’s believed the CCSA may also discuss a proposal to extend nightlife operating hours in tourist areas, although it’s unlikely to be approved until further discussions have taken place with resident communities.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
