Thailand extends COVID-19 lockdown measures until end of August

 An elderly COVID-19 patient is taken away from his home by medics in Bangkok to be treated in hospital. (Photo: AFP/VNA Photo)

Bangkok (VNA) - Lockdown measures in Bangkok and other high-risk zones will be extended for two more weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19 as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to surge in the country, local media reported.

The restrictions, including travel curbs, mall closures and night curfew will be imposed on 29 provinces, instead of 13 ones previously, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said on August 1. 

Restaurants in shopping malls will be allowed to open only for delivery services.

On August 1, the country reported 18,027 new infections, with 133 deaths, bringing the cumulative total to 615,314 cases and 4,990 fatalities.

Thailand may see over 40,000 new COVID-19 infections and 500 deaths per day, peaking in in mid-September, if the current lockdown regulations are not rigorously followed, according to a projection by the Ministry of Health. 

Since July 19, Bangkok and nine other provinces have been under lockdown measures such as a 9pm to 4am curfew and a ban on gatherings of more than five people.

Other restrictions include the closure of all stores in shopping malls at 8pm except for retailers deemed essentials such as supermarkets, chemists and those selling medical and communication equipment.

No public transport is available from 9pm to 4am./.