Public Advised to Wear Masks in Crowds as Thailand COVID-19 Cases Spike

People in Thailand have been advised by the Ministry of Public Health to don face masks in crowded areas as COVID-19 cases in the country are on the rise.

Permanent Health Secretary Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong reported that the Omicron BA.2.75 subvariant is spreading in the country, with COVID-19 cases up by 20%, according to The Bangkok Post on Nov. 26.

While the rise in cases is only seasonal, Karnkawinpong cautioned that fatalities could also increase. The public is encouraged to get their booster shots, he was quoted as saying, but the number of those getting vaccinated are decreasing due to the "improved COVID-19 situation."

The government plans to inoculate at least 70% of Thailand's population with booster shots. He noted that the COVID-19 situation will get better anew after the holidays.

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) predicted the rise in cases following the easing of COVID-19 measures in public. According to a press release by the Royal Thai Government on Nov. 28, the DDC will work with chief medical officers in different provinces to come up with measures to "ensure production continuity" in plants.

As per the DDC via the release, Thailand logged 4,914 new confirmed COVID-19 cases from Nov. 20-26 or around 702 cases per day. This is a jump from the 3,957 new cases recorded from Nov. 13-19.