ASEAN countries continue loosening COVID-19 restrictions

Thailand on May 29 decided to shorten the night curfew by an hour, starting June 1, when the country enters the third phase of COVID-19 lockdown easing.
ASEAN countries continue loosening COVID-19 restrictions ảnh 1Thai people wear face masks to prevent COVID-19 (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand on May 29 decided to shorten the night curfew byan hour, starting June 1, when the country enters the third phase of COVID-19lockdown easing.

Secretary-General of the National SecurityCouncil General Somsak Rungsita said that the new curfew time will be from 11pmto 3am, instead of from 11pm to 4am as applied in the second phase.

Thailand will also ease inter-provincial travelrestrictions, but has not yet decided to reopen beaches, except cultural, archaeologicaland heritage sites, he said, adding that foreign tourists are not allowed toenter the country.

On the day, the Thai Foreign Ministry announcedthat under the third phase of the lockdown relaxation, foreigners with workpermits or permission from the Labour Ministry or other government agencieswill be allowed to enter the country after registration. They, however, musthave health insurance and a health certificate and will also be subject to 14-quarantine on entry to Thailand, either in a state facility or in a privatefacility at their own cost.

On May 29, Thailand reported 11 new infections,who all had returned from Kuwait, raising the total to 3,076, including 57deaths.

The country is expecting a complete removal of lockdown in July.

Meanwhile, the Cambodian Government announcedthat any traveller entering Cambodia and found violating the mandatory 14-dayquarantine will be punished in accordance with the law.

The announcement comes following last week’slifting of entry bans for travellers coming from Germany, Italy, France, Spain,Iran and the United States with the condition of presenting a health certificateissued by the host country’s health countries, indicating that the traveller iscleared for COVID-19.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen once again calledfor high vigilance to prevent a second wave of COVID-19 infections, although thecountry has so far confirmed 124 cases, of whom 122 have given the all-clear.

In other developments, on May 29, Laoscontinued to loosen several social restrictions after 47 straight days goingthrough without new cases.

From June 2, students of the last grades areallowed to return to school and short-term training courses to resume. And allschools are allowed to reopen on June 15. Cinemas, night markets andrestaurants can also serve locals again.

However, Laos will continue to restrict entry-exit activities until the end of June.

Meanwhile, on May 29, Indonesia reported 678new infections, bringing the tall to 25,216, including 1,520 fatalities.

As of May 30, Malaysia confirmed 7,731 COVID-19infections, with 103 more cases reported on May 29./.
         
VNA

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