Thai PM announces night curfew starting Friday

Thailand's prime minister announced on state television a nationwide curfew from 10pm to 4 am starting on Friday to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The measure announced Thursday evening by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is the latest in a slow tightening of restrictions after the country's cases began rising sharply in mid-March.

Prayuth said exceptions under the curfew will be allowed to people who work in medicine, banking and delivery of consumable goods, crops, medicine, medical supplies and equipment, newspapers and gas; people who work shifts; people who are traveling to and from an airport; and people with permission from their district officials.

International arrivals have been tightly restricted, requiring medical clearances prior to departure, and 14-day self-isolation after arrival.

Thailand announced 104 new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Thursday, bringing its total to 1,875.

Last week, the government enacted a one-month state of emergency allowing it to impose harsh restrictions not normally allowed under law.

They include the power to implement curfews, censor the media, disperse gatherings and deploy the military for enforcement.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.