Bangkok (VNA) - The Governmentof Thailand has banned all gatherings "posing risk of diseasetransmission", except for household meetings and government activities,effective immediately in COVID-19-hit areas.

Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesmanof the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration, said in COVID-19"maximum control zones" and "control zones", gatherings andactivities that would draw crowds are prohibited except for householdgatherings and government activities.

Gatherings and activities ingovernment-designated "close surveillance zones" and"surveillance zones" can take place if they receive prior approvalfrom provincial governors. Household gatherings and government activities areagain excepted.

Provincial governors are todeclare which areas are designated maximum control, control, close surveillanceand surveillance zones. They will also set their own policies on quarantine forarrivals, Taweesilp said.

Violators will face punishmentunder Section 18 of the Executive Decree on Public Administration in EmergencySituations. The section carries a jail term of up to two years and/or a fine ofup to 40,000 baht (around 1,300 USD).

The move came after the latestCOVID-19 outbreak was found to have spread to a majority of provinces acrossthe country.

Thailand reported 250 new COVID-19cases on December 30, raising the total number to 6,690, including 61 deaths.The new cases included 241 infections in the community, eight in quarantineestablishments and one Myanmar person illegally entering the country.

The new COVID-19 outbreak has todate spread to 48 out of the country’s 77 provinces and cities./.