BANGKOK, (Reuters) – Thailand may restrict large gatherings or ban alcohol sales at restaurants in order to deter coronavirus infection. This was disclosed Wednesday by a Thai health official.

On Wednesday there were 3,899 reported cases in the country, an increase of the 2,600 daily cases at the end of 2013. The Omicron variant also increased by three times during the holiday period.

SumaneeWatcharasin spokeswoman of the coronavirus taskforce in India said that if regular testing and mask wear were not implemented, the infection rate could rise to “tens or thousands” within two weeks.

She said the government will decide on new curbs on Friday and also review the suspended “Test & Go” scheme that allowed vaccinated arrivals to skip quarantine.

Thailand has experienced a staggering 2.2million infections since the start of the pandemic and more than 22,000 fatalities due to coronavirus. People were afraid of more disruptions to their daily lives.

Kundarat Yutakom (60-year-old Bangkok shopkeeper) said, “I am so concerned with the situation but I’m very careful.” She opened her Bangkok shop on Wednesday after a seven month hiatus.

Others feared a repeat of last year when cases surged, straining hospitals reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/thailand-steps-up-home-isolation-virus-cases-strain-hospitals-2021-08-02 leaving many untreated.

Chris Potranandana of Zendai Foundation, which helped thousands of people during the peak of last year’s crisis, stated that “We need to be ready so that we don’t repeat the events of July or August”

Thailand has administered two doses of vaccines to 64.1%, with only 9.7% receiving booster shots.