Chiang Mai’s provincial public health chief says the northern province is launching a Covid vaccination campaign as a precautionary measure, as visitors from China return. Dr. Jatuchai Maneerat says tourism workers can avail of free vaccination between January 22 and 29 at the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation conference hall.
Officials have a target of administering 3,000 doses daily. The general public can also avail of free vaccination at the Nakornping, Chiang Mai Neurological, Chiang Mai Mother and Child, and community hospitals, according to Jatuchai.
Thai PBS World reports that the first direct flight from Shanghai to Chiang Mai is set to arrive on January 18. Officials say they will continue to monitor the Covid situation in the northern province, particularly for new variants or sub-variants. In addition, Jatuchai says waste water samples from all Chinese flights arriving in Chiang Mai will be tested for Covid-19.
Elderly residents and those in other high-risk groups, such as pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions, are being urged to get vaccinated. If already vaccinated, Jatuchai says they should ensure they get a booster to improve immunity and reduce their risk of becoming seriously ill if they contract the virus.
Jatuchai adds that during the first week of January, 3,081 people tested positive for Covid-19, a slight increase on numbers from the past 7 weeks. There were also 3 Covid-related deaths.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
