Philippines - Restrictions - Nationwide
Reed & Mackay Travel Update Service 23 November 2020, 6:25 AM
Incident: COVID-19 restrictions
Location(s): Nationwide (map)
Time Frame: Indefinite
Impact: Transport and business disruptions, quarantine measures
Summary
The Philippines continues to maintain varying community quarantine restrictions nationwide through at least Nov. 30 amid ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. The country remains under Code Red Sublevel 2 on the code alert system, indicating ongoing local virus transmission with greater numbers of cases than the government can address.
Local officials in Northern Samar Province and Davao City are enacting the general community quarantine (GCQ), the third-strictest level of controls, through Nov. 30. Additionally, the central government also ordered several other locations, including Metro Manila, to implement the GCQ through Nov. 30. Under the GCQ, most workplaces and public places can operate with distancing protocols. Select industries, such as agriculture, supermarkets, and utilities, can operate on-site at full capacity. Several other sectors, including barbershops and salons, may open at reduced capacities. Public transport can operate at a reduced capacity with health protocols, such as maintaining a one-meter distancing between passengers. Nonessential mass gatherings remain banned, while religious congregations can occur with attendees occupying up to 30 percent of the venues' capacity. The GCQ will be in effect through Nov. 30 in the following locations:
- Luzon: Metro Manila and Batangas Province
- Mindanao: Lanao del Sur Province and Iligan City
- Visayas: Bacolod, Iloilo, and Tacloban cities
The central government allows all other localities to enact the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), which is the least severe level of restrictions, through Nov. 30. Companies can work on-site, though at-risk employees must telecommute. Officials are allowing public places, such as food establishments and gyms, to operate at 50-percent capacity. Public transport can operate with distancing controls in place. Mass gatherings may occur at half of the venue capacity. Universities can conduct on-site activities with health protocols, while other educational institutions remain suspended, with limited exceptions.
While the central government has not mandated the two most stringent levels of protocols, the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), local officials in some areas are enacting or may appeal to implement these controls.
Facilities such as children's amusement parks and establishments primarily serving alcoholic drinks remain closed in all forms of community quarantine. People aged 15-65 can leave their homes, though stricter rules are in place in several areas, including Metro Manila, which allows people aged 18-65 to go out. At-risk groups cannot work on-site nationwide, with limited exceptions. Provincial and municipal authorities and healthcare professionals may appeal to the central government to either tighten or ease measures. Wearing facemasks is compulsory when in several public facilities, including workplaces, public transport vehicles, markets, shopping malls, and supermarkets. Airlines, including AirAsia (AK), Cebgo (DG), Cebu Pacific (5J), and Philippine Airlines (PR), are operating domestic routes between several cities with health protocols in place; passengers must wear facemasks.
Local governments in several areas are implementing restrictions in addition to the controls mandated by the central government. A nightly 2100-0400 curfew is in effect in Davao City through Nov. 30. A nightly 0000-0400 curfew is in effect in Metro Manila; the curfew hours will shorten to 0000-0300 from Dec. 1. Exemptions from the curfew are in place for people commuting to and from workplaces with permission to operate on-site, transport workers, and people in emergencies, among others. Additionally, officials in Pasay and Pasig cities have mandated people to wear facemasks and face shields when in public. Local officials may enforce short-term movement restrictions, such as stay-home orders with limited exemptions, to facilitate the mass testing of residents.
Travel Restrictions
While most foreign nationals remain banned from entering the country, the government has allowed foreigners to use investor visas to enter the country since Nov. 1. Authorities will also allow entry for foreigners using visas issued by the state agencies Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Exceptions from the entry ban are also in place for foreign nationals with long-term visas, among others. Inbound foreign nationals must secure a quarantine facility and a COVID-19 testing provider before the trips and undergo two-week quarantine upon arrival. Other visas and applications and visa-free privileges remain suspended. The government has allowed nonessential outbound travel to resume since Oct. 21. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and uniformed personnel on official duty can continue traveling outside the country.
Background and Analysis
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
Resources
Presidential Communications Operations Office
State COVID-19 Portal
World Health Organization (WHO)
Indonesia - Restrictions - Nationwide
Reed & Mackay Travel Update Service 23 November 2020, 6:37 AM
Incident: COVID-19 restrictions
Location(s): Nationwide (map)
Time Frame: Indefinite
Impact: Transport and business disruptions, protests; possible quarantine measures
Summary
Indonesia continues to adjust restrictions, including large-scale social distancing measures known as PSBB in several localities, to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Nov. 23. Areas with significant COVID-19 activity can apply to the central government to enact large-scale social distancing rules. While controls vary by location, common restrictions in these areas include suspending schools and closing or limiting workplaces' operating hours. A nationwide public health emergency remains in effect until further notice.
As of Nov. 23, large-scale social distancing curbs are in place in the following areas:
- Jakarta: Authorities have extended restrictions through Dec. 6. Nonessential industries can operate on-site with a maximum of half the workforce; essential industries and the civil service can continue working on-site. Food establishments can serve dine-in customers 0600-2100 daily at a maximum of half the seating capacity. Shopping malls, markets, places of worship, and indoor sporting facilities can host activities at a maximum of 50-percent capacity. Cinemas, fitness centers, and recreational parks may open at 25-percent capacity. Public transport may run with reduced passenger capacities and operating hours. Schools remain closed. Officials continue to encourage locals to wear facemasks and observe social distancing when in public.
- Ambon, Maluku Province: The local government has extended restrictions as of Nov. 23; the end date of the rules is unclear. Gatherings are limited to 30 people. Public transport can operate until 1800 daily with protocols, such as reduced capacities. Several public places, like cinemas, massage parlors, beauty salons, shopping centers, markets, and food establishments, can operate with reduced operating hours. Other facilities, including karaoke parlors, remain closed. Authorities have set up 20 checkpoints to enforce protocols. Violators may receive fines of up to IDR 30 million (USD 2,100).
- Banten Province: Officials have extended rules through Dec. 19. Authorities have set up checkpoints to ensure that vehicle passengers adhere to health controls. However, rules vary across the province. Greater Tangerang limits public transport's operating hours to 0500-1800 daily with protocols. Shopping centers can open until 2000 daily. Serang has set up eight checkpoints to conduct health screening of those entering the area and requires shopping malls to close by 1800.
- Bekasi, Bogor, and Depok, West Java Province: Controls in Bekasi, Bogor, and Depok cities and Bekasi and Bogor regencies are in effect through Nov. 25. Employees who can work on-site must bring their identification card, company letter, and a document stating they have tested negative for COVID-19. Factory workers in Bekasi Regency must record their daily movements. Bogor and Depok cities require shopping malls and other public facilities to close by 1800, while people must be home by 2100 daily.
Some localities have lifted large-scale social distancing restrictions due to reduced COVID-19 activity and concerns of the measures' economic impact. However, localized controls like the suspension of night entertainment venues and schools are in effect in several areas without large-scale distancing rules. Additionally, the central government has ordered localities with high COVID-19 activity to allow 75 percent of civil servants to telecommute.
The central government requires intercity land and sea travelers to produce certificates stating they have tested negative for COVID-19. Domestic air travelers must provide a doctor's letter certifying the absence of flu-like symptoms or medical certification with a maximum 14-day validity confirming negative results of a swab or rapid COVID-19 test. Passengers must also show identification documents and download the PeduliLindungi contact tracing application. Officials require planes and public land transport to operate at 70-percent capacity and private-hire vehicles and taxis at 50-percent capacity. There is no capacity limit for sea transport, though other rules are in place. While central authorities have instructed local officials nationwide to implement health protocols like distancing controls, the central and local governments' enforcement level is unclear. Officials may revise measures at short notice.
Locals or workers affected by the pandemic and related controls have staged protests across Indonesia. Further demonstrations are likely, especially if officials do not provide sufficient assistance to affected groups of people.
Travel Restrictions
Most foreign nationals remain banned from entering and transiting the country. Exemptions are in place for permanent residents, diplomats, and transport workers, among others. Arrivals must produce documents stating they are free from COVID-19; travelers without the certificates will undergo tests upon arrival and isolate at government-designated sites until test results are released. Arrivals must also download the PeduliLindungi application. Authorities advise arrivals to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Cross-border travel arrangements for business and official purposes are in place with mainland China, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. People entering Indonesia under the scheme must have a sponsoring Indonesian entity, test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure, and receive another test upon arrival. Indonesia has set up a similar scheme with Japan, though the start date is unclear. Officials also require people leaving Indonesia to produce certificates stating they do not carry COVID-19.
Background and Analysis
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers. Avoid any demonstrations due to the potential for clashes.
Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
Resources
State COVID-19 Portal
World Health Organization (WHO)
Australia - Restrictions - Victoria
Reed & Mackay Travel Update Service 23 November 2020, 6:56 AM
Incident: COVID-19 restrictions
Location(s): Victoria (map)
Time Frame: Indefinite
Impact: Business and transport disruptions, increased security
Summary
Victoria has eased gathering and commercial restrictions, as of Nov. 22, amid reduced coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Under the last step of the state's reopening plan, officials permit travel for any reason statewide. Authorities allow outdoor public gatherings of up to 50 people and groups at home with a maximum of 15 people. Weddings, funerals, and indoor worship services can take place with up to 150 people; outdoor religious services can occur with 300 participants. Schools will resume on-site lessons. The government lifted a facemask requirement for residents when outside, provided a distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) is possible; however, facemasks remain mandatory at indoor locations, including public transport and grocery stores.
Authorities have eased commercial restrictions; work can resume at offices statewide, but employers must restrict capacity to 25 percent and stagger entry and departure times. Other employees will continue to work at home, if possible. Nonessential businesses, including hospitality venues, retail, and personal care services, have resumed. Entertainment venues can also reopen but should limit density to one person per four square meters (43 square feet). Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs can resume operations in indoor and outdoor areas. Officials allow up to 150 customers for indoor seated service and 300 patrons for outdoor seated services under the four square meter rule. The government requires hospitality venues with indoor areas less than 200 square meters (2,152 square feet) to limit capacity to one person per two square meters (21 square feet) up to 50 people.
Domestic Border Controls
Victoria's border is open to travelers from most Australian states. The government has banned visitors who visited Red Zone locations in Adelaide, though travel is possible for emergency or compassionate reasons. South Australian officials must approve travel before affected travelers can apply for entry to Victoria. Travelers who have only visited green or orange zones in South Australia can enter Victoria but must request a Border Crossing Permit before travel, except if seeking emergency medical care or providing emergency public services. South Australian residents living within 70 km (44 miles) of the Victoria border can enter without a permit.
Quarantine Requirements
The federal government continues to divert international flights from airports in Melbourne (MEL, AVV) through at least Dec. 7. Officials plan to cap arrival capacity at 160 passengers per day once services resume. All travelers entering Australia, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Victoria officials have yet to detail their quarantine arrangements and related fees.
Background and Analysis
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Avoid crowded areas as a precaution. Stock up on essential supplies. Confirm business appointments in affected areas. Check the status of flights with airlines if flying into Melbourne in the coming weeks.
Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
Resources
Victoria Government
Victoria COVID-19 Reopening Roadmap
Victoria Department of Health and Human Services
Victoria Border Crossing Permit
South Korea - Restrictions - Nationwide
Reed & Mackay Travel Update Service 23 November 2020, 9:23 AM
Incident: COVID-19 restrictions
Location(s): Nationwide (map)
Time Frame: Indefinite
Impact: Travel and business disruptions, immigration delays, quarantine requirements, gathering restrictions
Summary
South Korea is further tightening restrictions in Greater Seoul, including Gyeonggi Province, through Dec. 8 due to rising coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Under the Level 2 restrictions, the third-highest level, officials limit gatherings to 100 people or less. Seoul officials will limit demonstrations to 10 people. Cafes can only offer takeaway and delivery services. Restaurants can only host patrons until 2100 daily; takeaway and delivery service can continue. High-risk entertainment facilities, including nightclubs and bars, must close. Indoor sporting venues must also close at 2100, and capacity at sporting events is 10 percent. Government offices and publicly owned companies will reduce staff to 30 percent. Authorities will only allow one-third of students at most government schools; two-thirds of students can attend high school.
Gwangju and Incheon, except Ganghwa Island and Ongjin County, remain in Level 1.5. Authorities are banning gatherings larger than 100 people at demonstrations, large concerts, academic conferences, and other "high-risk" activities in these locations. However, some events of more than 500 people can occur if organizers inform local officials and ensure social distancing measures. The government restricts the capacity of "priority" entertainment businesses such as nightclubs, karaoke bars, standing concert halls, and restaurants and cafes to one person per four square meters (43 square feet). Patrons cannot move between seats at affected establishments, and restaurants must either maintain at least one meter (3.2 feet) between tables or install barriers between tables. Authorities are also limiting capacity and requiring social distancing at movie theaters, seated concert halls, funeral homes, wedding venues, private academies, and amusement parks, among others. Capacity is limited to 30 percent at sporting and religious venues. Officials will also limit students at schools to two-thirds of capacity.
Other areas of South Korea remain under Level-1 restrictions. There are no gathering limits, and high-risk establishments can operate. Individuals are still required to wear protective facemasks on public transportation, in most public indoor areas, and at any large gathering events, including protests. Officials will issue a fine of KRW 100,000 (USD 87) for individuals not wearing or improperly wearing facemasks. High-risk businesses are required to participate in a contact tracing-system requiring personnel to scan a quick response (QR) code before allowing patrons to enter establishments. Owners can manually record contact information if necessary. Businesses must also enforce facemask requirements on their premises. Officials could suspend operations or issue fines of up to KRW 3 million (USD 2,500) for companies violating the order. Temporary business closures are likely to occur at any establishments where employees or patrons test positive for COVID-19. Several major industrial plants and offices have temporarily closed after employees tested positive for COVID-19; further disruptions are likely at facilities where outbreaks occur.
Officials continue to ban cruise ships from docking at ports in the country, including Jeju. Busan requires ships from Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, and Uzbekistan entering Gamcheon Port to use the QR code system to enhance contact tracing for crew members. Korean air carriers are gradually resuming flight operations, but service remains limited. International flight disruptions are likely to continue amid decreased demand.
US Forces Korea (USFK) is maintaining the Health Protection Condition (HPCON) at Bravo, the second-lowest level for the country. However, officials have banned travel to Area II, including Seoul, Incheon, and some of Gyeonggi Province, for personnel stationed in other areas through at least Dec. 5. Official duties are exempt from the restriction. Officials are conducting health checks for all personnel at entrance points. Personnel remain barred from entering high-risk establishments across the country.
Travel Restrictions
Visa-free and visa-waiver programs remain suspended with countries that have banned entry for South Korean citizens. Long-term visa holders resident in South Korea must obtain permits before departing the country and present medical screenings with proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before re-entry. Authorities have suspended visa-free entry for foreign sailors, who must obtain visas and provide a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test result issued within 48 hours before departure to enter the country. The government is limiting visas and flight capacity for passengers from Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan. Officials also require a medical certificate confirming that inbound travelers received a negative PCR COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of departure. Diplomats and people on urgent business travel from these high-risk countries are exempt from the restriction.
Authorities allow "fast track" entry for essential business trips and official travel from Singapore, mainland China, Japan, UAE, and Indonesia. Under the agreements, inbound travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 71-96 hours, depending on the country, and a health certificate. Travelers must also take another COVID-19 test upon arrival, await the result before entering South Korea, and continue to abide by health surveillance procedures.
Most incoming travelers must undergo COVID-19 testing within three days of arrival. Mandatory screenings are ongoing for international arrivals at all ports of entry nationwide, and testing is almost certain for symptomatic passengers. Authorities in Seoul require all inbound passengers remaining in the city to undergo COVID-19 tests upon arrival. Officials will screen travelers with COVID-19 symptoms immediately and transport other passengers from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Seoul's designated testing facilities. A 14-day self-quarantine requirement remains in place for all international travelers, regardless of testing outcomes. Officials will quarantine foreigners who do not have a residence in South Korea at government facilities at the traveler's expense.
Background and Analysis
South Korea introduced its five-tier social distancing regulation to better target the spread of COVID-19 Nov. 7. Authorities tailor restrictions - from Level 1 to Level 3 in half-point increments - based on COVID-19 activity in seven geographic zones across the country. In Level 2, authorities will limit gatherings to 100 people nationwide and shut down restaurants from 2100 daily, except for takeaway and delivery services. The government will further restrict groups to 50 people and shut down multi-use, crowded facilities from 2100 daily in Level 2.5. Under Level 3, the highest level, officials will request people to stay at home, restrict gatherings to 10 people or fewer, and close most facilities.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
Resources
Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Ministry of Health and Welfare
Thailand - Restrictions - Nationwide
Reed & Mackay Travel Update Service 23 November 2020, 10:42 AM
Incident: COVID-19 restrictions
Location(s): Nationwide (map)
Time Frame: Indefinite
Impact: Transport, travel, and business disruptions, protests
Summary
Thailand's cabinet authorized the extension of the nationwide state of emergency through Jan. 15, 2021, to facilitate the continued implementation of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions amid the continued easing of some curbs. The emergency decree has been in place since late March.
Businesses nationwide can operate on-site with social distancing measures in place. Conferences, seminars, and concerts can also occur with health controls, including frequently sanitizing the venues and requiring the use of facemasks and temperature monitoring. Most schools have reopened. Domestic flights and other forms of public transport can operate with full passenger capacity as long as safeguards, such as requiring passengers to wear facemasks and frequently sanitize their hands, are in place. Spectators can attend sporting events if organizers enforce distancing controls.
Officials in several provinces are enforcing localized measures. Some provincial authorities are screening arrivals and quarantining symptomatic passengers, while governments in other areas isolate all incoming travelers regardless of symptoms. Officials may reestablish or introduce nationwide or local-level restrictions in the coming weeks if COVID-19 cases increase. Authorities have sometimes provided conflicting information about COVID-19 controls in recent weeks; officials may introduce or tweak measures at short notice.
Locals across Thailand have demonstrated against the continued nationwide state of emergency despite the decreasing number of COVID-19 cases; some protesters claim that officials are utilizing the state of emergency to control the ongoing pro-democracy protests nationwide. The rallies have prompted localized transport and business disruptions nearby the protest sites, especially in Bangkok. Gatherings will likely continue to occur in the coming weeks and months.
Travel Restrictions
People who can enter Thailand will quarantine for 14 days at government-designated facilities upon arrival, with limited exemptions. Foreigners also have to comply with health protocols, such as getting a letter from the nearest Thai embassy, a health insurance policy, and a certificate that they do not carry COVID-19 and quarantining for two weeks at government-designated facilities upon arrival in Thailand. The government may allow resident diplomats and their family members to isolate at their residence for two weeks.
The government has resumed limited foreign tourists' entry and inbound tourist flights, using special tourist visas. The travelers must adhere to several protocols, including testing negative for COVID-19 before the trip and upon arrival, committing to staying in Thailand for at least 30 days, quarantining at government-designated facilities for two weeks upon arrival, and downloading a contact tracing application. Cargo, emergency, and repatriation flights and government aircraft can continue operating. Several land checkpoints are operational, though the government continues to ban foreigners from entering the country through border checkpoints.
Background and Analysis
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Avoid any demonstrations as a precaution.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
Resources
State COVID-19 Portal
Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (Thai language)
World Health Organization (WHO)