Health officials say draft order ending mandatory mask wearing and related fines is ready
The Ministry of Public Health Ministry is expected to cancel face mask-wearing regulations and related fines in two or three weeks, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC).
The National Communicable Disease Committee (NCDC) has already completed a draft announcement, said Thares Krasnairawiwong, director-general of the DDC. It reflects the fact that coronavirus risk is falling and the government cancelled the emergency decree related to the pandemic on Oct 1.
He said the draft announcement does not require cabinet consideration, only endorsement by the public health minister. Once endorsed, it will be published in the Royal Gazette, and the process is expected to take two to three weeks, he said.
The wearing of face masks was mandatory under an administrative order issued by provincial governors as part of the measures to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Under the order, offenders would be fined 6,000 baht and repeat offenders could be fined up to 20,000 baht. But courts have the discretion to reduce the fines based on circumstances.
Dr Thares said the ministry was also working on three draft laws on financial compensation to deal with future outbreaks of communicable diseases, noting that these laws will have no retroactive effect.
The first draft involves compensation for members of the general public affected by prevention and control measures which cover medical expenses, physical therapy, damage to assets and income loss.
He said the DDC would be responsible for payment if the amount does not exceed 100,000 baht, while claims exceeding 100,000 baht will be handled by the NCDC.
The second draft deals with compensation for medical workers and public health officials who are infected while on duty. It covers death, disability and serious illness.
The third draft allows the DDC to demand compensation from people who fail to comply with its disease control and prevention orders within a specified period, resulting in the DDC doing the job for them and incurring costs.
In another development, the Budget Bureau has approved an allocation of 11.5 billion baht to cover risk allowances and hazard pay for medical and health personnel working during the pandemic and the allocation of 384 million baht for vaccination campaigns.
The relevant agencies are required to seek disbursement by the end of this year, according to Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin, acting deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Public Health.