Covid infections climbing in South, officials say curve should flatten within a month

The Public Health Ministry says that while Covid-19 infections are rising in the south of the country, numbers are expected to level off within a month. According to a Bangkok Post report, Dr Thongchai Lertwilairattanapong says the Delta variant accounts for around 30% of infections in the region, although the Beta variant is more prevalent in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and some areas in Songkhla.

Thongchai says the path of the virus in the south is a few weeks behind other parts of the country, adding that most infections are cases of community transmission. The medic says ongoing adherence to disease prevention measures should help to flatten the curve within about a month.

“We’re seeing increased cooperation from people. But it will take some time before it pays off. So, we expect a drop in Covid-19 cases in about a month.”

The Bangkok Post reports that there were 1,949 new infections reported in the 4 border provinces yesterday, an increase on Wednesday’s 1,922. There were also 11 Covid-related deaths, up from 6 on Wednesday. The CCSA says the provinces of Songkhla, Narathiwat, and Yala are reporting some of the highest infection rates in the country.

Officials in the Yala district of Betong have closed a wet market after 14 traders tested positive. A number of businesses have also had to close until Monday and some events have been cancelled, with the municipal area reporting 50 – 60 new daily infections.

Meanwhile, the governor of Songkhla, Jetsada Jitrat, has voiced his concern about the situation in his province, with a surge in infections in the districts of Hat Yai, Muang, Chana, and Singha Nakhon. The governor says officials are taking steps to curtail the spread of infection, to ensure Hat Yai’s planned re-opening to tourism is not affected.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post