Thailand suspends quarantine-free scheme to halt Omicron spread
The Thai Government announced on December 21 that it would suspend “Test and Go” - quarantine-free programme, amid concerns about the Omicron variant situation worldwide.
Passengers at Phuket International Airport, Thailand, November 1, 2021.(Photo:AFP/VNA)
Bangkok (VNA) – The Thai Government announced on December 21 that it would suspend “Test and Go” - quarantine-free programme, amid concerns about the Omicronvariant situation worldwide.
Accordingly, the "Test and Go" programme as well asthe issuance of Thailand Pass will be suspended and be reviewed on January 4next year. Those who have registered and been granted Thailand Pass can stillenter Thailand until January 10, 2022 but will have to undergo seven-day quarantine.
After January 4, all people entering the country will besubjected to 14-day quarantine or can enter without quarantine under the PhuketSanbox programme. Authorities have not mentioned whether to suspend thequarantine-free entry programme in two localities Bangkok and Samui.
The move came as the number of Omicron cases in the country has almost reached 100.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health MinisterAnutin Charnvirakulsaid the suspension of "Test and Go" programme was necessary to prevent anoutbreak of new infections.
The "Test and Go" programme and the Thailand Pass system were introduced on November 1, contributing to asignificant increase in the number of tourists entering Thailand.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian government is consideringlengthening mandatory quarantine to stop the spread of Omicron variant.
Speaking at a press conference onDecember 21, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi the Government has helda meeting to mull over extending the quarantine period to 14 daysif the Omicron variant spreads more widely.
So far, Indonesia hasconfirmed three people iꦬnfected with Omicron, all imported cases. Currently,international travellers and Indonesian citizens must undergo a mandatory 10-dayquarantine period at a hotel or designated location. The number of COVID-19 patients being treated in hospitals orself-quarantine at home in Indonesia has 🌼decreased recently and is now justover 4,800, compared with more than 550,000 at the end of July./.
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Passengers at Phuket International Airport, Thailand, November 1, 2021.(Photo:AFP/VNA) 
