COVID-19: Five returning Thai students latest patients

Thailand has reported five new COVID-19 cases, all Thai nationals who returned from Saudi Arabia, and zero fatalities over the last 24 hours, bringing the tally to 3,134 with 58 deaths.

In a statement today, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said the five new patients, all students aged between 21 and 26, are undergoing 14-day quarantine at state facilities at Chachoengsao and Samut Prakan.

“Of the 3,134 cases in the kingdom, 2,987 have recovered and returned home while another 89 remain warded,” it said.

It is the 19th day Thailand has not recorded a local transmission.

Starting Monday, Thailand will lift a nationwide curfew from 11 pm to 3 am and further ease COVID-19 restrictions under its fourth phase of relaxation.

International schools and tuition centres, exhibitions and concerts are among businesses and activities that will resume, but with safety measures in place.

However, all sports competitions will be held without spectators.

Entertainment outlets including pubs, bars and karaokes as well as bath-sauna-massage parlours remain closed.

Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-archa said six zoos in the kingdom will reopen for free from Monday until June 30.

The six are Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, Chiang Mai Zoo, Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo, Songkhla Zoo, Khon Kaen Zoo, Ubon Ratchathani Zoo and the Elephant Nature Park in Surin.

“There will be a 2,000-visitor daily limit over the two entry periods, which is 8 am-noon and noon-5 pm,” he said, as quoted by Bangkok Post.

Meanwhile, Varawut said all 127 national parks in Thailand are set to reopen their doors to visitors starting Monday but 28 marine parks remain closed during the monsoon season. - BERNAMA