How Covid-19 Might Spread to You

[S Landreth]

5,947 new Covid cases, 62 more deaths

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

There were 5,947 new Covid-19 cases and 62 more fatalities recorded during the previous 24 hours, the Public Health Ministry announced on Tuesday morning.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...62-more-deaths

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Coronavirus Cases: 254,322,456

Deaths: 5,119,091

Under reported US death count: 783,633

American Civil War Battle Deaths and In Theater (north and south) - 498,332

it's been blown way out of proportion.

[S Landreth]

Fourth jab will be provided to people travelling abroad for trade, meetings

Thailand is now the only country that has started administering the fourth vaccine dose for those who need it, especially people who have to travel abroad to conduct trade or attend business meetings or seminars in order to drive the economy forward as quickly as possible, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Thursday.

Many countries still do not allow cross-formula vaccines that include Sinovac or Sinopharm, especially for people that need to travel. One case in point is travelling to Switzerland to attend World Health Organisation meetings.

In that European destination, for example, two Sinovac jabs are still not recognised even if the traveller has received AstraZeneca as the third dose. In this case a fourth jab is needed.

Anutin said it cannot be currently determined how long this fourth dose would be effective, it could be 12, 18 or even 24 months.

Thais will continue to be given booster doses until it is proven that they are safe, the minister said.

He also said that any province with a large population tends to have a lot of movement by people and therefore has a higher chance of attracting more infections than other provinces, but right now we should not be overly worried.: https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/in-focus/40008705

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Communities in Chiang Mai locked down until Nov 24 as COVID infections surge

Fifteen communities in the municipal area of Chiang Mai province were locked down yesterday (Thursday) until November 24th by the provincial governor, as COVID-19 infections continue to spread.

Everyone living in the communities is being required to take COVID-19 tests and receive vaccine shots, while employers in the area were told to bring their foreign migrant workers for COVID-19 tests and vaccinations.

People living in other areas of the province have been advised to avoid the 15 communities, while those living there were asked not to travel outside, unless it is absolutely necessary.

The 15 communities placed under lockdown, which are classified as “red zones”, include Pa Paeng-Wang Singkham, Baan Oon-aree, Papao, Chiang Yuen, Sri Mongkhon, Baan Kootao, Chang Klarn, Keha Nong Hoi 1, Keha Nong Noi 2, Keha Chiang Mai, Samakkhi Pattana, Erawan, Srivichai, Koo Poo Loon and Lok Molee.

Business activities in the “red zones” also have these restrictions applied:

Convenience stores, markets, beauty salons, spas and tattoo shops can continue business as usual, but must close at 10pm.
Steam services, flea markets and parties are prohibited.
Air-conditioned eateries must limit their customers to 50% of their seating capacity, or 75% if there is no air-conditioning. They must close at 10pm and serving of alcoholic drinks is not allowed.
Violators will be liable to a fine of not exceeding 20,000 baht.

According to the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), 391 new COVID-19 cases were recorded on Thursday. There are currently about 30 clusters in the province, according to the provincial health office.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/communi...ections-surge/

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

On-site learning ban at Chiang Mai schools extended as COVID-19 pandemic spreads

The provincial communicable disease committee of Chiang Mai has decided to extend the suspension of on-site learning at schools until end of November, as hundreds of new COVID-19 infections surface on a daily basis.

The committee also decided to lock down six areas in Mae Ai, Doi Saked, Mae Jam, Hang Dong and San Sai in a desperate effort to contain the spread of the disease. Everyone in theseareas, who are considered to be at high risk, are subject to COVID-19 tests and, even if tested negative, are to remain at home quarantine for 14 days.

On Thursday, Governor Prachon Pratsakul ordered the 14 day lockdown of 15 communities in the municipal area of Chiang Mai and all residents there have been told to get COVID-19 tests and vaccinations.

456 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the province on Friday, bringing cumulative infections, since April this year, to 21,674. Total deaths are 82, including 4 yesterday. 16,404 patients have recovered. 4,900 people are still being treated, including 2,296 in community isolation facilities.

Songyot Kamchai, head of the disease control unit at the provincial health office, said that, of the new infections logged on Friday, 6 came from other provinces and the remainder are locally-acquired cases. Many infections are linked to clusters, such as 62 cases at a Chiang Rai Food factory in Fang district and 27 cases at Ban Mae Jae village in Mae Na Jon sub-district.

He also said that cluster infections have been detected in construction dormitory facilities of foreign migrant workers, hotels, hospitals, universities, malls, eateries, military camps, at funerals and at other crowded activities.

The six areas currently placed under lockdown are:

Ban Mok Pao in Mae Sao sub-district, Mae Ai district, from November 9th to 22nd.

Nang Bua Pan rental facility in Doi Saked district, from November 8th to 21st.

Ban Mae Jae village in Mae Jam district, from November 11th to 24th.

Construction worker dormitory in Ban Wane sub-district, Hang Dong district, from November 10th to 23rd.

Vegetable, fried food and pork stalls at Sam Yaek market in San Sai district, from November 12th to 25th.

Construction worker dormitory of the Chiang Mai Rim Doi company in Hang Dong district, from November 8thto 21st.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/on-site...demic-spreads/

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

asked and answered

not enough

[S Landreth]

6,524 new Covid cases, 56 new deaths

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

Thailand logged 6,524 new Covid-19 cases and 56 new fatalities during the previous 24 hours, the Public Health Ministry announced on Wednesday morning.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...-56-new-deaths

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

1.4m Moderna doses to arrive end of November

Around 1.4 million doses of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine will arrive in Thailand by the end of this month, according to the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO).

"Zuellig Pharma notified us that the vaccine from a plant in the US is ready and the shipment is expected to arrive in Thailand by the end of November," the GPO posted the update on its Facebook page on Saturday morning.

After the first 560,000 doses of the vaccine arrived on Nov 1, they were allocated to the Thai Red Cross Society and privately run hospitals. The latter gave them to people who paid for the jabs in June.

The company has coordinated with the US-based vaccine manufacturer about the readiness to ship another 1.4 million doses that will arrive in Thailand by the end of November, according to the GPO’s Facebook post.

On Nov 1, the first batch of 560,200 Moderna doses arrived as scheduled with 77% of the vaccines to be allocated to privately run hospitals.

It was delivered by Lufthansa and received by the GPO.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...nd-of-november

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

6,901 new Covid cases, 55 more deaths

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

There were 6,901 new Covid-19 cases and 55 more fatalities recorded during the previous 24 hours, the Public Health Ministry announced on Thursday morning. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...55-more-deaths

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Weekly antigen COVID tests required by private schools, but not Education Ministry’s requirement

Several parents have complained about the costs of weekly antigen COVID-19 tests required by many private schools, even though it is not a requirement by the Education Ministry.

The ministry has clarified that it does not require students to be subject to antigen tests for COVID-19 on a weekly basis, and that such tests are required only when there are infections at school or nearby communities, following many parents’ demand to the ministry to cover the expenses for the antigen test kits (ATKs).

Education Permanent Secretary Supat Champathong said today (Tuesday) noted that many privately-owned schools have set their own standards, which are more than what is laid down by the ministry.

He also said that the private schools requiring the tests should be responsible for procuring the ATKs with their own fund and that the ATKs must meet the standard set by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) or are of the same brands approved by the TFDA.

Supat then recommended parents to negotiate with the schools to work out a solution on who should bear the cost of the ATKs or whether both parties should share the cost.

Some parents have complained that, since they have 2-3 children in schools, the spending on ATKs alone is several hundred baht per month which is quite a financial burden in light of economic difficulties.

Meanwhile, Professor Supaset Khanakul, president of the Association Board of Coordination and Promotion of the Private Education (APPE), said that private schools have imposed the strict regulation of COVID-19 tests because they have wanted to reduce the risk of their students attending on-site classes during the initial period of the reopening of schools since November 1st.

He explained that, during the initial period, schools are not yet able to categorise the students on the levels of risk both among the students and their parents such as whether the parents are fully inoculated.

Once the classification is done, he said that ATK tests would be confined to the “red”, or most at-risk group and, for the other groups, random tests would be conducted once a week or two weeks.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/weekly-...s-requirement/

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Washing hands often offers more protection, says top virologist

Washing hands frequently offers far more protection than wearing gloves, expert virologist Dr Yong Poovorawan advised on Tuesday.

In his Facebook post, Dr Yong said many people have been wearing gloves to protect themselves against the Covid-19 virus. However, he said, his experience in labs shows that gloves protect the wearer, not other persons the wearer may come in contact with.

For instance, he said, serving staff in restaurants wear gloves for a long time and touch many items without washing their hands, which does little to curb the spread of the virus.

He said people should wear gloves when they are shopping and discard them as soon as they are done.

However, he iterated, washing hands frequently is the best way to protect yourself and curb the spread of Covid-19.: https://www.nationthailand.com/life/40008882

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Bangkok City Hall expects to vaccinate 100% of capital’s residents this year

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) expects to have fully vaccinated the city’s population by New Year, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said today (Tuesday).

So far, the BMA’s data shows 8,734,534 people have received their first dose and 7,512,946 their second. 85% of people in vulnerable groups, including those who are over 60, pregnant women and people afflicted with underlying diseases, have received their first dose and 70% are fully inoculated.

Regarding foreign migrant workers residing or working in the capital, the city administration is collaborating with the Labour Ministry to provide free vaccinations every day at the Thai-Japanese youth centre in the Din Daeng area.

Additionally, the governor said that all district offices had been instructed to conduct field surveys, to find out if there are still foreign migrant workers working in eateries or stores who have not been vaccinated, to ensure that they get inoculated.

If it is inconvenient for them to get to vaccination centres and there are sufficient people waiting to be vaccinated, the governor said that a mobile vaccination unit will be sent to provide an on-site service.

BMA Spokesman Pongsakorn Kwanmuang said that City Hall has been campaigning for people to come forward to receive their vaccine and has expanded vaccination services to cover most parts of the capital.

Currently, the main vaccination centres are BMA-operated hospitals, field health service centres, the Thai-Japanese youth centre and mobile services.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/bangkok...nts-this-year/

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Coronavirus Cases: 256,261,586

Deaths: 5,145,498

Under reported US death count: 788,851

American Civil War Battle Deaths and In Theater (north and south) - 498,332

it's been blown way out of proportion.

[S Landreth]

6,855 new Covid cases, 51 more deaths

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

There were 6,855 new Covid-19 cases and 51 more fatalities recorded during the previous 24 hours, the Public Health Ministry announced on Friday morning.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...51-more-deaths

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Thailand not eligible to get Pfizer’s secret antiviral pill recipe: Medical Services Dept

Thailand is not eligible to receive Pfizer’s secret recipe for its Paxlovid Covid-19 antiviral pill because the kingdom is a moderate- to high-income country, the Department of Medical Services said on Wednesday.

The remark came after Pfizer announced it would hand out its Covid-19 antiviral pill recipe to 95 countries. It did not say which countries.

Department director-general Dr Somsak Akksilp said Thailand would however receive the antiviral pill faster than countries eligible to receive the recipe as Thai government agencies have cooperated with Pfizer.

“Thailand will negotiate with Pfizer in a bid to obtain the Paxlovid recipe,” he said.

Somsak went on to say that the Comptroller-General’s Department will hold a meeting on Thursday to consider the procurement of Molnupiravir Covid-19 antiviral pills.

“We expect to sign a procurement contract by next week,” he added.: https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40008929

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.