Thailand lifts outdoor mask mandate

The Thai government has lifted its face mask mandate; however, it has advised vulnerable and infected people to still use masks for the sake of personal and public health.

The government’s announcement was published in the Royal Gazette on Friday.

“The wearing of hygienic or cloth masks shall be voluntary,” read the announcement, which was published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday.

According to the announcement, the public is encouraged to consider the benefits of proper mask wearing when it comes to preventing the transmission of diseases, including COVID-19 and other respiratory tract infections, and reducing other health risks.

Along with relaxing masking requirements, the announcement added that entertainment venues, pubs, bars, and eateries selling alcohol are allowed to operate with adherence to the law and disease prevention measures. Prior to this, businesses were only permitted to serve alcohol until midnight.

The announcement on Thursday also stated that the COVID-19 situation in Thailand has improved and that the numbers of infections and related deaths have declined.

As a result, various restrictions and measures have been relaxed to allow the public to live and carry out social and economic activities in a manner that is close to normal, it added.

On Friday, the Department of Disease Control reported 2,313 new COVID-19 infections and 16 deaths. 

ARTICLE: PAUL MURDOCH

MANAGING EDITOR: CARSON CHOATE

PHOTO CREDITS: LIFESTYLE ASIA

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