Over the past 18 months, the global spread of the pandemic has taken its toll on the economies of many countries. In Thailand, some believe a relief budget of 3 trillion baht may be inadequate.
Assuming the country can achieve herd immunity by the end of this year as promised by the prime minister, every business sector is urging the government to adopt practical measures to coexist with the pandemic rather than restricting economic activities every time new infections expand.
While few countries in the world have been able to contain the virus by maintaining strict border controls and issuing draconian lockdowns, more countries are opting for measures aimed at coexistence, with people learning how to protect themselves against Covid-19.
BUSINESS HEALTH REDEFINED
The likelihood that Covid-19 will become an endemic disease is prompting factory owners to pay more heed to non-business factors crucial to ensure they stay afloat during a volatile situation.
While it is still necessary to consider growth and profits in terms of ensuring business health, entrepreneurs must also do more to ensure their enterprises keep Covid-19 infections firmly under control.
“Businesses started making adjustments since the first two outbreaks. The third wave only caused them to intensify their measures against Covid-19,” said Kriengkrai Thiennukul, vice-chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Many factories now conduct Covid-19 testing every one or two weeks by using rapid antigen test kits to separate infected workers from their coworkers.
These tests are one measure under the government’s factory…