Chalong, Phuket hospital closes as staff quarantine after seeing Covid patient
Chalong Hospital in Phuket is closing after seeing an outpatient test positive for Covid-19. The hospital is now undergoing disinfection while its staff has been ordered to undergo quarantine. The 74 year old patient visited the hospital last Wednesday for dizziness and was sent home. 2
days later the woman returned with complaints of dizziness again and diarrhea. The next day, last Saturday, the woman developed a fever, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties prompting doctors to test her for Covid-19 and move her to an isolated room.
Chalong Hospital Director, Suchart Nichawanna says late last night, the results came in as positive for the virus. Suchart announced the “temporary suspension of services” today, posting the announcement online just before 1:30pm.
“As a result of the incident, many medical personnel at Chalong Hospital were at high risk exposure. Patients admitted to the hospital, doctors, nurses and hospital personnel have been quarantined and tested for Covid-19. Therefore, it is necessary for Chalong Hospital to temporarily suspend services to all patients.”
Meanwhile, Thailand today has reported 2,014 new cases with 31 people having died over the past 24 hours from Covid-related illnesses. The daily death toll is now the highest yet since the pandemic began. Yesterday, the death toll for a single day was 21.
New infections announced since April 25…
April 25 – 2,438
April 26 – 2,048
April 27 – 2,179
April 28 – 2,012
April 29 – 1,871
April 30 – 1,583
May 1 – 1,891
May 2 – 1,940
May 3 – 2,014
Recently, the Thai government has redesigned its colour coding for provinces based on the new wave of Covid that hit in early April. Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Samut Prakan are all now considered dark red provinces. Those provinces have reported more than 100 Covid-19 cases per day. Regulations in those areas include:
- Events or gatherings of more than 20 people are prohibited.
- Dine-in services at restaurants and cafes are prohibited, but takeaway services until 9pm are allowed.
- Stadiums, gyms, fitness centres are closed except for sports facilities that are in open areas. Those facilities must close by 9pm.
- Shopping centres can stay open until 9pm. Arcades and entertainment activities must close until the Covid-19 situation improves.
SOURCE: The Phuket News
