Thailand recorded 10,486 Covid-19 cases and 94 deaths on Friday (Oct 15); govt easing virus measures

Image by The Nation Thailand/ANN

BANGKOK, Oct 15 (The Nation Thailand/ANN): Ministry of Public Health reported on Friday (Oct 15) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 10,486 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 167 of whom have been found in prisons.

Death toll increased by 94, while 10,711 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 1,762,190 – 1,636,461 of whom have recovered, 107,606 are still in hospitals and 18,123 have died.

Separately, another 481,973 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 509,853 their second shot and 42,723 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 63,614,352.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 240.39 million on Friday, 217.7 million of whom have recovered, 17.79 million are active cases (81,173 in severe condition) and 4.9 million have died (up by 7,421).

Thailand ranks 24th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 45.64 million, followed by India with 34.04 million, Brazil with 21.61 million, the UK with 8.32 million and Russia with 7.89 million.

Thailand also announced on Thursday night (Oct 14) a further easing of Covid-19 restrictions nationwide starting from Oct. 16, as the country's immunisation rates have been increasing recently.

According to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), the night-time curfew will be reduced to four hours from 11pm to 3am. Moreover, the number of "dark red" provinces which are under maximum control will be cut down from 29 to 23 provinces.

Meanwhile, the number of "red zone" or areas with maximum control will also reduce from 37 to 30, indicating the country's overall improving and stabilizing control over Covid-19 situation, CCSA spokesman Taweesin Visanuyothin said.

The CCSA also announced more relaxation on eateries, flea markets, all kinds of sports facilities, shopping centers and movie theaters by permitting their operating hours to be extended to 10pm.

Trade fairs, convention and exhibition centers and hotels are permitted to organise meetings up to 500 people per event, according to the CCSA.

Thailand has eased some restrictive measures since Oct.1, including reopening of certain businesses, and fewer curfew hours as part of a plan to gradually phase out Covid-19 curbs and reboot the economy. - The Nation Thailand/ANN