Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – Thailand’s Ministry of PublicHealth has acknowledged that the number of Omicron COVID-19 cases is likely toincrease and is proposing work from home measures after the holidays to preventthe spread of the new coronavirus variant.

Deputy Public Health Minister Satit Pitutacha revealed thatPrime Minister and Defense Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha will meet with otherministers to discuss implementing preparations for the New Year holidays. Heurged the public to cooperate in maintaining prevention measures in order tokeep the situation aligned with ministry projections. He also said minimisinginfection and fatality rates will raise public morale, which will in turnincrease confidence in the nation’s reopening and help revitalise the economy.

According to the deputy health minister, the ministry willassess and consider protocols after January 4, 2022. He added that the mosteffective solution may be for the public and private sectors to allow employeesto work remotely at the start of the New Year. He said he believes it will takeabout two weeks to assess the situation and urged everyone to cooperate inhelping to avoid the worst-case scenario.

Satit also expressed concern over a possible surge in infections amongyoung children and instructed officials to coordinate with hospitals to ensurethey receive treatment. He noted that the issue of offline learning would alsobe tabled for discussion./.