Thai health officials say the number of serious, new Covid infections reported in Bangkok and other “tourist destinations” is on the rise. Tares Krassanairawiwong from the Department of Disease Control says infections are up 12.8% compared to the week before, adding that he expects to see a rise in hospitalisation in the coming weeks.
Increased hospitalisation has already been reported in Bangkok and a number of other tourist provinces in the east and south of the country (code for Pattaya and Phuket?). However, Tares says such a rise is “not unexpected”, and the fatality rate is currently stable despite the increase. He has described the rise as a “small wave”.
According to a Thai PBS World report, over half the cases reported between November 6 and 12 are in the unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated. Sophon Iamsirithavorn from the DDC says the so-called 608 group, including the elderly and immuno-compromised, is being prioritised for Long Acting Antibody treatment once they develop symptoms and test positive for the virus.
According to Sophon, there are sufficient supplies of the LAAB treatment to cope with a rise in infections. He has also urged any elderly people who are not fully vaccinated to refrain from going out where possible and called on their younger relatives to avoid nightlife venues.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
