Total reaches 50 as two more coronavirus cases confirmed in Thailand

The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has today confirmed two more cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus. Both cases are Thai men who recently returned from Italy. The announcement was made this morning at the ministry’s daily press conference.

MOPH permanent secretary Dr Sukhum Kanchanapimai, and ministry spokesperson Taveesin Visanuyothin, said the two new cases bring the number of people currently being treated to 18, while 31 have recovered. Thailand has had one death from complications related to the virus.

“Both patients are Thai males who are forty years old. The first patient had symptoms on March 5 and is receiving treatment at Rajavithi Hospital, while the second patient [is] receiving treatment at Nopparatrajathanee Hospital.”

Both men’s contacts are being traced, as is standard procedure. Officials stress there is still no sign of community spread in Thailand and caution against listening to rumours and speculation on social media.

Italy is one of six places the Thai government has designated “dangerous communicable disease zones.” There is still confusion over exactly what this means, as mixed messages have been given regarding quarantines and enforcement, with some stating a 14 day self-quarantine for all visitors arriving from these countries is mandatory, and others stating that it is ‘recommended,” and not doing so may bring a penalty.

SOURCE: The Pattaya News