Thailand raises alert level against the pandemic over omicron variant

Bangkok, Jan 6 (EFE).- Thai authorities Thursday raised the level of alert against the pandemic as a result of the rapid spread of the omicron variant, which opens the door for some restrictions to be restored.

The change, from level three to level four (out of a maximum of five), comes after the strong increase in infections that reached 5,775 in the last 24 hours, almost 50 percent more than those detected a day earlier.

“Thailand has entered a new wave of infections where cases are growing rapidly (…) level four means that places of high risk (of contagion) can be closed and the announcement of measures,” Kiattiphum Wonggrajit, permanent secretary of the Health Ministry, said in a conference.

The panel of experts advising on measures against the pandemic is scheduled to meet Friday to study the next steps against the outbreak.

Late last month, authorities temporarily suspended the single-night quarantine program for vaccinated travelers from abroad, who must now remain isolated for a week.

Less than 70 percent of Thailand’s target population is fully vaccinated, with just over 10 percent having the booster dose.

Since the start of the pandemic, the country has confirmed 2.24 million cases, including 21,750 deaths. EFE

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