Body of Chinese man lies untouched for hours over coronavirus fears

A Chinese man who fell to his death from a Bangok hotel room yesterday was left lying untouched for more than six hours, as responders feared contracting the Covid-19 coronavirus from the body. Police, who were notified at about 12;30pm, say the 39 year old Chinese national was staying in a room on the sixth floor of the hotel, which was not identified. A search of the room found many face masks, along with a broken mobile phone on the floor.

Police, Hospital and rescue workers who arrived at the scene found the body of the Chinese man lying face-down on a path beside the hotel. Thai media report that broken glass was scattered over the area.

A hotel security guard told police that he heard a loud noise, “like a large object striking glass.” He looked around and initially saw nothing. Moments later saw broken glass falling to the ground, followed by the Chinese man.

Authorities say the man arrived in Thailand alone on March 5. He checked into the hotel on Thursday.

A police officer tried contacting the Department of Disease Control to send officials to inspect the body, but his request was rejected. Rescue workers were unsure how to proceed and were concerned about coronavirus contamination.

It wasn’t until 7pm that staff from Ramathibodi Hospital, in full protective suits, showed up to take the body for autopsy.

SOURCES: Chiang Rai Times | Matichon