Thailand eases travel restrictions as it hits record Covid case high

Bangkok, Apr 1 (EFE).- Thailand on Friday relaxed its Covid-19 travel restrictions for international arrivals as the country recorded a record high number of daily cases amid its Omicron wave.

Travelers are now exempt from having to provide a pre-departure PCR test, although they must still quarantine for at least one night upon arrival.

Despite fewer pre-travel requirements, which until Friday required a negative result less than 72 hours before boarding the plane, people arriving in the country from abroad must still undergo a PCR test upon arrival and wait in a hotel for a negative result to be able to leave.

In addition, travelers must undergo a rapid antigen test on their fifth day of stay.

This new border policy, aimed at reactivating the tourism sector, coincides with the largest wave of infections since the start of the pandemic, although the number of deaths has not increased to the same extent as with previous variants.

Health authorities reported a new daily case high of 28,379 confirmed infections on Friday, and another 22,331 positive rapid tests, as well as 92 deaths.

Thailand has accumulated 3.63 million infections, including more than 25,200 deaths, since the beginning of the pandemic.

The vaccination campaign, with almost 70 percent of the entire population double vaccinated, is now focused on increasing inoculation with booster doses, which to date has reached a third of the total population.

The government of Thailand intends to declare Covid-19 as an endemic disease, although it is making slow progress in reducing measures and still maintains the obligation to wear a mask indoors and outdoors, and restricts alcohol sale hours and the closure of the nightlife venues, among other measures. EFE

nc/tw