Officials at Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health have stepped up their efforts to track the spread of COVID-19 as the country prepares to receive a surge in international tourists.
In a vote taken today, the National Communicable Diseases Committee gave its stamp of approval to a new package of public health measures designed to track and eventually halt the spread of COVID-19. Rapid or PCR testing of arriving visitors with respiratory symptoms and genomic sequencing of airplane wastewater samples are two preventative procedures that will be implemented to curb possible import cases and novel variations.
Travelers returning to countries requiring a negative COVID-19 test, such as China and India, are now needed to have travel insurance valid for COVID-19 treatment for the duration of their trip to Thailand, plus an additional seven days.
Officials on official business, airline personnel, and students visiting Thailand for academic or professional reasons may provide certificates of enrollment or employment in lieu of insurance documents. Visitors without suitable medical coverage will be required to purchase insurance before entering the country.
To facilitate efficient administration and harmonious collaboration, the committee has sanctioned the formation of a COVID-19 subcommittee dedicated to overseas arrivals.
While the health of Thai citizens is of paramount importance, health officials have authorized private clinics to charge a reasonable fee for administering COVID-19 vaccinations that have been purchased with government funds.
Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health, has reported a decline in the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent serious disease and death from COVID-19, the minister added, therefore everyone should get their shots on time. This is especially important for the elderly and anyone with preexisting health concerns.
Current recommendations for COVID-19 immunization in Thailand call for at least 4 doses per individual, with further boosters every 4 months.
