The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration is looking at more ways to boost tourism as Thailand’s case numbers continue to fall. Daily infections started to drop below 1,000 this month, with 774 reported yesterday. The trend of reported infections has certainly been on a downward trend since July this year.
Covid-related fatalities have dropped to between 10 and 15 a day, according to government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul. She says the CCSA will meet Friday to consider additional measures to boost tourism.
“The government is working on a plan to come up with measures to promote tourism to accommodate more tourists during the (upcoming) peak season.”
While the overall Covid situation continues to improve, health officials are urging those still-considered high-risk, the so-called “608” group, to ensure they’ve had 2 doses of a vaccine and a booster dose. The 608 group comprises the elderly, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions.
Meanwhile, Sophon Iamsirithavorn from the Department of Disease Control says a Long-Acting Antibody (LAAB) combination is showing promising results in protecting against severe Covid and was even used to successfully treat a 105-year-old unvaccinated patient who contracted the virus.
Studies in the US, Europe, and Japan show LAAB injections can halve the Covid-19 death rate and ease symptoms significantly, particularly among high-risk patients, if given within 3 to 5 days of becoming infected.
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, part of the European Medicines Agency, is recommending that all countries give LAAB injections to Covid patients who are more likely to experience severe symptoms with the virus, such as the elderly, the immune-compromised and those with underlying health conditions.
The Bangkok Post reports that LAAB was approved for use in Japan on August 30, with the European Union expected to follow suit shortly. Thailand and the US are currently reviewing the antibody combination.
SOURCE: The Bangkok Post
