Thailand advises those in high-risk areas to work from home for 2 weeks

Even though work-from-home measures are in place, 483 new cases per day are expected in the next month, said Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC). 

As the number of cases is still high, the DDC plans to implement additional measures to curtail this number, he said, adding that the fast-spreading UK variant has been detected in new infections, with the majority of cases found among teenagers and working adults. 

Separately, the Thai Bankers Association has issued guidelines to temporarily close bank branches located in high-risk areas, but customers will still be able to use ATMs and online channels for their banking needs. These measures are being implemented for the safety of employees, and services will return to normal as soon as the COVID-19 situation is resolved. 

The opening hours of bank branches nationwide will be shortened. Branches in department stores or those that are opened for service every day must close by 5pm, while other branches need to close no later than 3.30pm. 

For bank branches that will still open, fewer service counters will be available, and customers will be required to observe social distancing. If any infection has been detected among staff members or customers, the branch must be closed immediately for sterilisation.

READ: Thailand provides free COVID-19 tests under social security scheme

Those who have come in close contact with the infected must immediately undergo testing and self-isolate themselves. Those who test negative can return to work, according to Pattaya Mail. 

The Songkran festival, which marks the beginning of the Thai New Year, fell between April 12 to 15 this year.