In Bangkok, Thailand (Photo: AFP) Hanoi (VNA) - Thailand will extend the suspension of its quarantine waiverprogramme and bring in new restrictions after a jump in new coronavirus caseslinked to the Omicron variant, the Thai Government's COVID-19 task force said on January 7.
Spokesman of the COVID-19task force Taweesin Visanuyothin said new applications for Thailand's "Test & Go"quarantine waiver scheme will not be approved until further notice. Butexisting applicants can still enter Thailand without quarantine until January 15.
To curb local virustransmissions, alcohol consumption in restaurants will be halted after 9pm ineight provinces, including the capital of Bangkok from January 9, and banned in other69 provinces.
From January 11, Thailand willallow quarantine-free entry into the country via the previously suspendedsandbox schemes of Samui Plus, Phang Nga, and Krabi, Visanuyothin said.
Also on January 7, Thailandreported 7,526 new infections, the highest number since early November and doublingthat recorded on January 1.
The same day, Indonesia’sCOVID-19 task force announced dispensations from quarantine for certain groups of people inurgent circumstances, including medical conditions that are lifethreatening or requiring special needs, as well as circumstances of grief suchas the death of family members.
Quarantine dispensation can also be given toforeign nationals who are foreign representative agencies' leaders, holders of diplomatic orwork visas from ministry-level institutions or above, visitors arriving underthe Travel Corridor Arrangement scheme, delegates of G20 members andrespectable members of international societies.
They must submit a request for dispensation atleast 3-7 days before entering Indonesia./.
