The Covid-19 task force of the government is to review current restrictions at the end of the month, but spokesman Taweesin Visanuyothin says it is too early to think about lifting them, particularly in "highly-controlled" provinces. He adds that while almost all cases of the virus are being traced and treated, by the end of January, the government does not guarantee that rules will be eased or removed. The CCSA may examine the situation of Covid in the country and may consider the status of some provinces to be revised.
Although the authority has been given to provincial governors to set their own restrictions, some rules have come from the top, particularly for "highly controlled" provinces such as Chon Buri and Rayong in the east of the country. In certain areas and pubs, there are travel restrictions in place and other entertainment venues have been closed.
The Pattaya News notes that the CCSA's sentiments are being shared by the governors of Chon Buri and Rayong, as well as the spokesman for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Officials are appealing for patience, pledging that as soon as it is safe to do so, steps will be lifted. For popular tourist destinations in the eastern part of the country, such as Koh Chang in Trat, and Pattaya and Bangsaen in Chon Buri, the steps were a tough call. As a result of strict restrictions placed on people entering the province, the southern island of Phuket is also struggling, which is likely to prove a deterrent to domestic tourism.
Hotels in Chon Buri, meanwhile, continue to plead for a compulsory closure order so that workers can apply for state assistance. The appeal has fallen on deaf ears to date.
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