Thailand, Philippines plan restriction easing, Myanmar extends preventive measures

The Government of Thailand is planning to lift all business and activity lockdowns on July 1 after making preparations for the reopening in June.
Thailand, Philippines plan restriction easing, Myanmar extends preventive measures ảnh 1Social distancing is practiced at the dining area of a shopping centre in Thailand when restrictions have been gradually eased (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Government of Thailand is planningto lift all business and activity lockdowns on July 1 after making preparationsfor the reopening in June.

Secretary-General of the National SecurityCouncil Gen. Somsak Rungsita said these include the removal of interprovincialtravel restrictions as well as the end of emergency decree and curfew.

When the executive decree on publicadministration in emergency situations, issued on March 26, ends in late June,the ban on international travel will also be lifted.

The full reopening will come after the thirdphase of relaxation takes place in June.

The Thai Government's Centre for COVID-19Situation Administration on May 29 is set to finalise details on whatbusinesses could resume and on what conditions under the third phase ofrelaxation in June.

The COVID-19 situation in Thailand has improvedrecently. This country has had four days without any new cases this month,while the infections confirmed over the last few days are imported cases.

In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Dutertesaid key coronavirus lockdown measures in Manila capital will be lifted, aimingto resuscitate the economy after nearly three months of strict home quarantine.

He said on late May 28 that: "Remember thatthe entire nation is under quarantine," adding "let us move to theso-called 'new normal'.”

Most businesses will be allowed to re-open fromJune 1, and public tranport is to return in a limited form. Meanwhile, shoppingmalls in Manila have been open at a limited capacity for about two weeks.

However, schools, bars, dine-in restaurants andbarber shops will all remain shuttered. Children and the elderly will have tostay home unless they are out getting essentials or headed to work.

Manila, home to some 12 million people, is thecentre of the country's outbreak. It has endured one of the world's longestlockdowns, since mid-March.

In Myanmar, the country’s government on May 28announced the extension of preventive measures until June 15, but it will notapply to the measures which have been lifted.

On the same day, the Health and Sports Ministryof Myanmar lifted the restriction of gathering of five or more persons undercertain conditions. It also announced removing the restriction on four out of10 townships in Yangon which have been put under the government's stay-at-homeorders./.
VNA

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