As a result of growing worries about the spread of Omicron, Thailand is contemplating reinstituting strict quarantine for foreign visitors. The nation’s health ministry stated on Monday that the country has had its first incidence of local transmission of the coronavirus variant.

According to Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the public health ministry would propose eliminating a quarantine waiver for vaccinated travelers and reverting to hotel quarantine and a “sandbox” scheme, which permits unrestricted mobility in certain places.

As Anutin said on the Inside Thailand television program, the suggestion was prompted by concerns over Omicron’s proliferation. He added that the proposal would be submitted to the government’s Covid-19 taskforce “soon.”

Thai authorities reopened the country to foreign tourists in November, bringing an end to almost 18 months of tough entrance regulations that had led to a slump in tourism, a crucial sector and economic engine that attracted 40 million people in 2019.