Thailand announces more coronavirus curbs after jump in cases

Health workers from Zendai organisation in personal protective equipment (PPE) take swab samples from people for a rapid antigen test amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Bangkok, Thailand, January 5, 2022. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

BANGKOK, Jan 7 (Reuters) – Thailand will extend the suspension of its quarantine waiver programme and bring in new restrictions after a jump in new coronavirus cases linked to the Omicron variant, the government’s COVID-19 taskforce said on Friday.

New applications for Thailand’s “Test & Go” quarantine waiver scheme will not be approved until further notice to stem the increase of coronavirus infections, said Taweesin Visanuyothin, the spokesman of the taskforce.

But existing applicants can still enter Thailand without quarantine until Jan. 15, he said.