Thai Gov't Eyes Ending Hospital, Hotel Isolation in September

The Thai government is mulling ending hotel and hospital isolation by September as the COVID-19 situation in Thailand continues to improve, as per a report by the National News Bureau of Thailand yesterday.

The proposal to end the isolation measures is currently being prepared, said Dr. Thares Krasanairawiwong, director-general of the Department of Health Service Support. The proposal will then be submitted for the consideration of Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnivirakul.

According to Krasanairawiwong, Thailand now has out-patient self-isolation (OPSI) and home isolation measures. He also cited a recent survey that showed a decrease in hospital admissions, with more than 3,000 beds left unoccupied. Self-isolation hotels also dropped, although 1,500 remain available for COVID-19 patients.

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has since said that "it is prepared to comply with the policy."

A coordination system and a walk-in service through the OPSI and home isolation are available for the public, NHSO secretary-general Dr. Jadej Thammatacharee said. COVID-19 patients may also seek assistance via telemedicine apps MorDee, Clicknic, and Good Doctor Technology.