Covid UPDATE: 1,583 new cases and 15 deaths, provincial totals

1,583 new Covid-19 cases and 15 deaths were reported today by the Public Health Ministry’s Department of Disease Control. Since the start of the pandemic last year, a total of 65,153 Covid-19 infections and 203 coronavirus-related deaths have been reported in Thailand.

The number of daily reported infections continues to drop steadily as the government’s restrictions appear to be having the desired effect. Although the daily case count is on a downward slope, people must remain vigilant at combating the spread of the virus, according to deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Natapanu Nopakun, who gives the daily Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration report in English.

“While the number of new cases is lower than the past few days, we must remain vigilant while there are still new clusters of infections found in Bangkok and other provinces.”

There are now 28,696 active Covid-19 cases in Thailand. Of these 871 are in critical condition including 250 patients on ventilators. Most of the new infections were reported in Bangkok, the epicentre in the new wave of the coronavirus. A cluster of 50 cases was reported in Bangkok’s Khlong Toey district. In Rayong province, 36 new cases related to a snooker club and illegal gambling den, Natapnau says.

In the new wave of infections over the past month, 109 Covid-related patients have died, many with pre-existing conditions of diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, or other chronic illnesses. The daily Covid-19 death toll has been 10 or more over the past several days. Out of the 15 deaths reported today, 9 were in Bangkok. The patients were ages 29 to 93, most were older adults with pre-existing conditions.

While the number of new daily cases in Bangkok has decreased, the number of Covid-related fatalities in the capital remains high, Natapanu says.

Zoning

Yesterday, the CCSA announced new colour-coded zones with restrictions to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. The new restrictions will go into effect at midnight on Saturday and are planned to be in effect for 14 days.

Nationwide, alcohol sales are prohibited at restaurants while bars and other nightlife venues are ordered to close. Face masks are also now required in public places in all provinces. Violators face a fine of up to 20,000 baht.

Vaccines

So far, 1.4 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been inoculated in Thailand. Natapanu says that while it’s not a high number compared to Thailand’s population of 70 million people, the number of inoculations will be growing “exponentially.”

Yesterday, Natapanu said the Thai government plans to vaccinate all people living in Thailand including expats. More information on a vaccination plan for foreigners living in Thailand will be released at a later date.

Quarantine

With the rise of Covid-19 infections in Thailand, along with the spread of mutated strains in other countries, the quarantine period for international arrivals goes back to the initial 14 days, which ends up being 15 to 16 days at a designated facility or hotel.

SOURCE: CCSA