Government officials will work from home after New Year while online classes may be brought back as part of efforts to contain the outbreak of the Omicron coronavirus variant, says the Public Health Ministry.
The private sector is also being encouraged to follow suit by encouraging staff to work from home.
Speaking before a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha said the ministry submitted scenarios on the Omicron outbreak to the cabinet.
Even though patients infected with the new strain have no severe symptoms, efforts must be made to contain the spread of Omicron and keep new cases to a minimum to avoid impacts on the country’s reopening, he said.
“The ministry has a policy for government officials to work from home after New Year to prevent the spread of the virus. On Jan 4, the first working day after the holiday, we will take another look.
“The government has led efforts to take precautions against Covid-19 and it will be best if the private sector follows suit,” Mr Sathit said.
Mr Sathit admitted the spread of Omicron will be hard to avoid during the New Year countdown parties which involve large gatherings. “If everyone cooperates and the number of new cases after New Year does not jump, measures should be eased further,” Mr Sathit said.
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