Songkran a test if COVID-19 can become endemic in Thailand, says hospital dean

13 Sept 13:47 Key points summarised by AI

The Songkran festival in mid-April will critically determine if COVID-19 can transition from a pandemic to an endemic disease in Thailand.
Optimism for this shift stems from significantly higher vaccination rates, the less severe Omicron variant, and stable infection rates observed after the New Year break, contrasting with last year's surge.
Health officials strongly urge the 2.2 million unvaccinated elderly to get inoculated before the holidays and advise all Songkran travelers to self-administer rapid antigen tests and consistently wear face masks.
Thailand aims to classify COVID-19 as an endemic disease by July 1st, provided the death ratio can be reduced to below 0.1% from the current 0.19-0.2%.
While some Songkran celebrations are permitted with prior approval, traditional water splashing and large-scale entertainment activities remain restricted, with Bangkok planning a 'new normal' event without water play.

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