The Thai government will soon launch a Covid-19 contact-tracing app as part of its latest efforts to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and regularly organise virus testing for six risk groups in the context that the country is gradually easing restrictions.

A street in Bangkok (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said on May 10 that the new approach to deal with the pandemic has currently shifted from location targeting to testing of high-risk groups.

The regular testing will target six at-risk groups - medical personnel, newly suspected persons or those in quarantine, car drivers in public transport, parcel deliverers, immigrant workers and those working in pubs, bars or other entertainment venues.

Thailand began the first phase of the lockdown easing on May 3, although the ordinance on emergencies and the night curfew order are still valid until late May. The second phase of the four-phase process is expected to start on May 17 if the number of new Covid-19 cases does not increase.

The Southeast Asian nation so far reported 3,015 Covid-19 patients, including 56 deaths. The number of cured patients totaled 2,787.

In Indonesia, traditional markets, the fabric of the country's society, are changing the way they operate to maintain services amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

A traditional market on the island of Java has moved outdoors and set stalls at least one metre apart as Indonesia looks to safely maintain the bazaars where most people go to get affordable food.

Attempts to keep traditional market stalls running are happening elsewhere in the country, in one form or another, with precautions in place.

As of May 10, Indonesia confirmed more than 14,000 cases of Covid-19. The country is forecast to reach the peak of cases in late May.

Source: VNA