The Thai PM, Prayut Chan-o-cha, has ordered health officials to be on guard in the event of a Covid resurgence sparked by 2 new Omicron sub-variants. Cases of BA.4 and BA.5 have increased significantly in parts of Europe, including the UK, Portugal, Austria, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
With Thailand ditching practically all entry restrictions from July 1, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana says the PM has ordered the health ministry to monitor the situation in Europe. According to a Nation Thailand report, the PM has expressed concern that tourists could import the sub-variants, sparking a new wave in Thailand.
The report states that data from GISAID, the global initiative which shares data on viruses, shows there are 23 confirmed cases of BA.4 in Thailand, 26 confirmed cases of BA.5, and 18 confirmed cases of BA2.12.1. The government says these numbers are not a cause for concern at the moment and the country can cope.
Thailand’s Covid-19 situation continues to improve, with both new infection numbers and fatalities on the decline. Thanakorn says the downward trend should continue, provided people comply with disease-prevention measures and directives from the health ministry.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
