The lockdown of 29 provinces hardest-hit by the latest wave of Covid-19 has been extended until the end of this month.
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Monday confirmed the lockdown will remain until at least Aug 31 in the dark-red zoned provinces due to the continuing surge in Covid infections.
However, bank branches and financial offices in shopping centres will be allowed to reopen from Wednesday.
Business groups wanted IT shops, general stores and electronic appliance shops to open but the Covid task force rejected the request.
Their proposal that other shops be allowed to reopen would be discussed at future meetings.
