People have begun to lower their guard against the Covid-19 pandemic after some lockdown measures have been eased, according to an online survey by the Public Health Ministry and medical authorities.
The survey was carried out by the ministry, the National Health Security Office, the National Statistical Office, and the faculties of medicine at Ramathibodi and Siriraj hospitals.
A total of 19,378 people responded to the online questionnaire through the thaifightcovid19.com website from May 8-14.
The survey found 91% were still wearing face masks after the lockdown was relaxed starting from May 8.
However, it found 83% said they washed their hands regularly, down from 87% before the lockdown; 82% used separate spoons from their own to scoop up dishes (down from 86% pre-lockdown); 60% practised social distancing (from 65%); and 52% avoided touching their faces (from 62%).
The survey concluded that overall, 72% have maintained anti-virus practices despite the easing of restrictions. However, the number was 77% prior to the lockdown. When respondents asked if they had confidence in the Covid-19 transmission control measures, 65% said they were confident while 21% said they were unsure. Moreover, 14% said they had no confidence at all.
The results of the survey will be studied and used to improve the efficiency of the methods of fighting the coronavirus, according to the organisers. There was no word from officials on whether the 72% observing anti-virus measures was acceptable at this stage of the virus fight.
No new coronavirus infections or deaths were reported on Saturday, leaving the nationwide tally at 3,025 cases and 56 deaths.
Of all patients, 2,855 have recovered and have been discharged from hospitals while 114 are still under treatment, Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said yesterday. "Today there are two zeroes ... thank you to all Thais who have given their cooperation," Dr Taweesilp said.
This is the second day since March 9 that the country has reported no new daily Covid-19 cases. New cases have been in the low single digits almost every day for at least the past several weeks.
