How Covid-19 Might Spread to You

[S Landreth]

150 test positive for Covid-19, mostly in Samut Sakhon, Pathum Thani

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Thursday reported 150 new cases, eight of whom are returnees in quarantine facilities.

Of the remaining 142, 38 were infected while visiting high-risk areas. Samut Sakhon leads this list with 26 cases, seven of whom are Myanmar nationals, followed by five in Bangkok, three in Pathum Thani and one each in Tak, Nakhon Pathom, Mahasarakham and Ayutthaya.

Proactive tests, meanwhile, led to the discovery of 104 cases, 62 of which were in Samut Sakhon and 42 in Pathum Thani.

Of the returnees, five are Thai nationals returning from Nigeria, South Africa and Bahrain, while the remaining three are Pakistan, Bangladesh and Uganda nationals who flew in from their respective countries.

Apisamai Srirangsan, assistant CCSA spokesperson, added that the 359 previous cases found to be linked to the Pornpat market in Pathum Thani had spread to 10 provinces, though 332 remained local. Of this cluster, seven were found in Nakhon Nayok, four each in Bangkok and Phetchaburi and the rest in other provinces.

Authorities plan to test up to 10,000 people per day in Pathum Thani in a bid to contain the virus as soon as possible.: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/...ernal_referral

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Covid-19 claims first Thai doctor

A doctor in Maha Sarakham has died from Covid-19, the first Thai physician killed by the disease.

Dr Panya Hanphanitphan, 66, was pronounced dead at Srinagrind Hospital in Khon Kaen at 1.19 am on Thursday.

The government on Thursday reported 150 new Covid-19 cases, comprising 142 local infections and eight imported, raising the total to 25,111.

His son Natthawarot Hanphanitphan and the Khun Veero Kusolsongkhor foundation posted messages on their Facebook pages announcing his passing. Dr Panya co-founded the charity foundation.

Dr Panya was the 18th Covid-19 patient recorded in the northeastern province since the second wave of the coronvirus started in mid-December.

He treated three infected patients at his clinic before he went down with the disease.

On Jan 13, a patient with a fever sought treatment at his clinic. The patient was later found to infected with Covid-19.

On Jan 14, a patient with a cough but no fever sought treatment at his clinic.

On Jan 25, he treated a patient with a high fever, and referred them to a hospital respiratory disease unit. That person was diagnosed the province’s second infected patient.

On the evening of Jan 28 the doctor closed his clinic after learning the patient was infected, then went home and into self-isolation.

The next morning he went to a hospital for Covid-19 testing, but no infection was detected. He returned home and remained in self-quarantine.

On Jan 31, the doctor had muscle pains and felt feverish. On Feb 1 he went to a hospital for a second Covid-19 test, and the result was positive.

He was admitted to Maha Sarakham Hospital, under close medical care, before being transferred to Srinagarind Hospital in Khon Kaen

His condition deteriorated, and Dr Panya died early on Thursday morning.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...st-thai-doctor

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Market vendors say they're being made Covid scapegoats

Vendors at two closed wet markets in Thanyaburi district at the centre of a Covid cluster are unhappy with the authorities' decision to extend the closures, saying the infections are not all linked to them.

Pornpat and Suchart markets in tambon Prachathipat were closed on Friday and due to reopen on Wednesday but the closure was instead extended until next Thursday.

Pannee Paophan, a noodle vendor at Pornpat market, said on Wednesday that vendors and labourers there would be hit hard by the extended closure because they had no income but still had to buy food and pay their household bills.

Their landlords were not discounting the rent, she said, and the market owners were not providing any assistance to vendors who rented their stalls but could no longer work from them.

Ms Pannee also complained about the setting-up of a Covid-19 screening point at Pornpat.

Everyone working there had already been tested, she said, but officials were now taking anyone who lived nearby for Covid testing.

When infections were detected, they were wrongly reported as having come from Pornpat market, she said, yet there were no new infections at the market and the number of positive tests had been small, she said.

The misleading reports about the rise in Covid-19 cases, numbering 200-300, at the market scared people away, she said.

Ms Pannee aired her grievances to reporters as Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was visiting the market.

A fishball vendor at Suchart market, who gave his name as Onn, 53, backed Ms Pannee's claims, saying everyone working at the markets had been checked for Covid-19 in the first round of testing.

Later, he said, factory workers living near the markets were also tested and whey were found to be infected their infections were reported as originating at the markets.

Only about 1,000 people work at Suchart market, he said, yet authorities announced that more than 3,000 people had been tested there. Most of them were in fact from elsewhere, said Mr Onn.

He called for state agencies to look into the plight of people affected by the extended closure of the two markets and said he feared that if more infections were found, they would be closed for even longer.

"The authorities initially told us that the markets would be closed for five days, but now the closure has been extended for nine more days. I want to ask what the vendors will eat. We are suffering now,'' Mr Onn said.

During his visit to Pornpat market, Mr Anutin said provincial authorities had done their best to stop the spread of the Covid-19 cluster.

Pathum Thani governor Chaiwat Chuenkosum said on Wednesday he had put Pol Lt-Gen Kamronwit Toopkrajang, chairman of the provincial administration organisation, in charge of controlling the local outbreak.

When vaccines arrive, he said, people at the two markets would be inoculated.

Wednesday morning, at least 50 people were seen queueing for Covid tests at Pornpat market.

The governor said officials could test 1,000 people a day.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...vid-scapegoats

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

MPC wary of tourist dearth

The lack of foreign tourist arrivals presents a major risk to Thailand's medium-term economic growth outlook, with a near-term recovery dependent on the resolution of the recent outbreak and fiscal support, says the Bank of Thailand.

The recovery of foreign tourist arrivals could be influenced by many factors, including a plan to reopen the country, the status of the outbreak and the effectiveness of the vaccines, according to the central bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in its edited minutes.

"External factors that could affect the pace of border reopening include travel restrictions from China and virus mutations that could reduce vaccine efficacy," said the minutes.

"Important domestic factors include the efficacy and distribution of vaccines, the willingness of the population to take the vaccine and the ability to control and screen travellers crossing the borders."

The central bank anticipates foreign tourist arrivals of 5.5 million in 2021, but admits a lower projection is highly plausible.

The economy is forecast to expand by 3.2% this year, but a lower GDP growth is likely on the back of increasing downside risks, according to the central bank.

The near-term economic recovery would depend on the resolution of the recent outbreak and concomitant fiscal support, while the medium-term recovery would hinge on several factors related to tourism recovery, domestic vaccine distribution, fiscal stimulus and labour market conditions, according to the minutes.

The procurement and distribution of the coronavirus vaccines in the country will have implications for domestic economic activities and Thailand's reopening policy.

Fiscal support will have to be assessed in terms of magnitude and duration, said the minutes.

Fragile labour market conditions, meanwhile, could yield an impact on private consumption.

Although the impact of the recent outbreak on the economy would be less than last year, the pace of the recovery would be slower and more uneven among different sectors and firms, said the minutes.

Small and medium-sized enterprises have been affected more than large corporates, hence concerns over increased vulnerabilities in the labour market, particularly for daily-hired and self-employed workers in the non-farm sectors along with workers in the hotel industry.

Some 4.7 million workers are at risk of severe income losses, said the minutes.

"These include daily-hired and self-employed workers in non-farm sectors, as well as workers in the hotel industry. Among these workers, around 1.2 million could become unemployed or underemployed."

The unemployment rate was at 2% in November, down from 2.1% in October, and 783,760 people were out of work, slightly less than the previous month's tally of 810,190.

"The [MPC] views that the public sector should implement more targeted measures in a sufficient manner and these measures should be front-loaded at the onset of the negative shocks to prevent negative feedback on the economy and mitigate long-term economic scars."

The targeted measures include fiscal spending on relief measures, measures alleviating businesses' debt burdens and expediting budget disbursements to sustain the momentum of fiscal policy.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business...tourist-dearth

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Thailand - 1 Covid-19 death, 130 new cases

The government on Friday confirmed that a doctor who treated patients infected with Covid-19 had himself caught the disease and died, raising the death toll to 83.

The total number of infections since the pandemic hit the country had risen to 25,241, Covid-19 Situation Administration assistant spokeswoman Apisamai Srirangson said during the daily briefing from Government House.

Dr Panya Hanphanitphan, 66, was the latest death, which was widely reported on Thursday.

He had treated three patients at his clinic in Maha Sarakham province before they were confirmed infected with Covid-19, linked to a banquet in the northeastern province.

He was believed to have been infected between Jan 13 and 28, Dr Apisamai said.

The doctor, who had prostate cancer, learned on Jan 29 that his patients had tested positive for Covid-19. He immediately went for a Covid-19 test, which returned negative.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...-130-new-cases

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Thailand - Siam Bioscience selected by AstraZeneca – Thai PBS World Tonight [18th February 2021]

Dr. Nakorn Premsri, the director of NVI said incomplete information confuses the public. He showed the letter from AstraZeneca, dated February 15th said it is confident in Siam Bioscience capability to manufacture its vaccines.

SiamBioscience was chosen by AstraZeneca after a detailed assessment and comparison against other institutions proposed by Thailand, according to the National Vaccine Institute (NVI).

Dr. Nakorn said that Astrazeneca was the one who told Thailand that it would be better to reserve vaccines from them because they will be manufactured in Thailand. Dr. Nakorn added that the decision to transfer technology was made well before Thailand decided to procure vaccines from AstraZeneca.

There were over 60 laboratories and companies, from around the world, proposed to AstraZeneca to become its manufacturer, Siam Bioscience was one of 25 chosen.

One of the conditions Thailand has agreed with AstraZeneca is that Thailand will be the vaccine manufacturing base for the ASEAN region.: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/siam-bi...february-2021/

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Chula-developed jabs to be tested in May

The mRNA ChulaCOV 19 vaccine which Thailand is developing will enter the first stage of human trials in May with hopes to produce a maximum of five million shots with its partner, vaccine manufacturer BioNet Asia, by the end of this year.

It will be followed by the beginning of a cocktail vaccine development, which will be the second vaccine generation to fight the mutated SARS-CoV-2 virus strains in the next two months.

Developed by the Chula Vaccine Research Centre (CVRC), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and its partners, the mRNA-type vaccine will be the country's second virus vaccine to be tested on human beings, after the egg-based vaccine against Covid-19 produced by the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO).

The GPO has developed a pilot NDV-HXP-S vaccine against Covid-19 that it plans to test on people next month and plans to produce it by next year at a rate of 30 million doses per year.

Kiat Ruxrungtham, director of the CVRC who heads the project, said on Thursday clinical tests had shown "satisfying results" that it could 100% prevent Covid infection and the virus entering blood systems.

Additionally it could reduce the amount of virus by 10 million times in a mouse's nose and lungs, compared to mice which had not been tested using the vaccine, he said.

The tests also showed that there is no vaccine-related toxicity concerns, he said.

Dr Kiat said the ChulaCOV 19 vaccine's efficiency is not much different from the US-made Moderna that also uses mRNA technology and that, in some doses, the efficiency is two times better for creating body immunity.

It could also be kept at warmer temperature of 2C-8C for at least one month.

According to the timeline, the first stage of the human trial is expected to happen in May with 36 volunteers.

Testing will be conducted at the university, followed by a second phase from July to September with 600 participants, and "Phase 2b" with 5,000 participants in the third to fourth quarter. Participants will be aged between 18 and 75 years.

"We might not need to have the third trial on human beings if the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests a new regulation to waive the massive trials on humans if the clinical tests show a certain level of human immunity recommended by WHO," he said.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...-tested-in-may

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

FTI sees way to expedite vaccine flow

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is calling on the government to consider allowing the private sector to jointly import Covid-19 vaccines to distribute to their employees amid a growing concern over the state's slow progress in providing vaccinations.

Although the Public Health Ministry said last week it was confident initial orders of two vaccines from the UK and China would arrive in Thailand later this month, playing down any prospects of a delay, the FTI wants the government to work with companies to speed up the process of vaccine distribution, seen as crucial in boosting investor confidence.

Giving this task to the government alone raises concerns over whether all Thai people would receive shots within this year, according to the FTI.

"Many companies have high potential to import and provide their workers with vaccines. But they cannot do so just because they are not allowed to under the law," said FTI chairman Supant Mongkolsuthree.

Firms in the manufacturing and tourism sectors have shown interest in the idea of importing vaccines, he said.

"These companies want to ensure their workplaces and products are safe from Covid-19. They are willing to pay for the vaccines," said Mr Supant.

The FTI has also started distributing Thai-made refrigerators to hospitals to store vaccines at 2-8 degrees Celsius in order to help the country to save money. This means the hospitals would now not need to purchase more expensive equipment from other countries.

"We have donated the fridges to hospital personnel in 77 provinces to serve the state's plan to distribute 2 million doses of vaccines from February to April," said Mr Supant.

Thai manufacturers can produce fridges for storing vaccines at around 40,000 to 50,000 baht, compared with up to 100,000 baht for imported equipment, according to the FTI.

Meanwhile, the Thailand Industry Sentiment Index for January stood at 83.5 points, down from 85.8 in December of last year. The index has declined for two consecutive months and hit a six-month low following the emergence of a fresh wave of the pandemic in the middle of December 2020.

The survey, which was conducted among 1,441 enterprises in 45 industries, outlined a list of concerns raised by entrepreneurs. Up to 73.8% were worried about the global economy, while 52.6% were concerned about the exchange rate. Some 42.2% were worried about fuel prices.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business...e-vaccine-flow

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Oxford University to begin testing COVID-19 vaccine in children

Oxford University on Friday announced the launch of a new study measuring the safety and efficacy of its coronavirus vaccine in children.

The university, which developed the vaccine with AstraZeneca, said in a press release that the trial will include children as young as 6 years old, with approximately 300 volunteers participating in the study.

Andrew Pollard, the trial’s chief investigator, said in a statement, “While most children are relatively unaffected by coronavirus and are unlikely to become unwell with the infection, it is important to establish the safety and immune response to the vaccine in children and young people as some children may benefit from vaccination.”: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcar...ne-in-children

• Coronavirus Cases: 109,165,453

Deaths: 2,406,677

Under reported US death count: 496,063

American Civil War Casualties (North and South) - 214,938

it's been blown way out of proportion.

[S Landreth]

Thailand - 82 new Covid-19 cases, 71 from local infections

Eighty-two new Covid-19 cases — 71 local infections and 11 imported — were reported on Saturday, raising the total to 25,323 since the start of the pandemic in January last year. No new deaths were reported.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration said of the 71 local infections, 44 were found through active case finding and 27 had visited risk areas and were now in hospitals.

Samut Sakhon province had the most local infections on Saturday, with 35 cases, or 49.3% of the total. Bangkok had six cases, 8.4% while othe provinces had 30 cases, or 42.2%.

Of the 27 infected cases from risk areas, Samut Sakhon logged 19 cases. Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Pathom reported two each while Ang Thong and Samut Prakan saw one each.

Pathum Thani recorded the highest number of cases from active case finding (23), followed by Samut Sakhon (16), Bangkok (4) and Ang Thong (1), said the CCSA.

The 11 imported cases were quarantined arrivals from the United States (2), Russia (2), Germany (1),India (1), Nigeria (1), France (1), Kenya (1), the United Arab Emirate (1), and Bahrain (1). By nationality, they were Thai (2), American (2), Russian (2), German (1), Indian (1), Nigerian (1), French (1) and Ugandan (1).

Of the 25,323 total cases to date, 24,129 (95.3%) had recovered, including 59 discharged over the previous 24 hours and 1,111 were at hospitals. The death toll stood at 83.: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...cal-infections

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Thailand - Two-thirds of 92 new Covid-19 cases in Samut Sakhon

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Sunday reported 92 new cases, of whom six are overseas travellers in quarantine facilities.

Of the 48 exposed to the disease while visiting high-risk areas, Samut Sakhon had the most cases with 33, followed by seven cases in Pathum Thani and three in Ang Thong.

Meanwhile, proactive testing led to the discovery of 38 cases, mostly in Samut Sakhon (27), Pathum Thani (10), and Ang Thong (1)

Of the overseas travellers found to be infected in quarantine facilities, two Thais had returned from Oman and the United States, a Briton had arrived from Brazil, a Bahraini from Kuwait, a German, and a Zimbabwe national from their respective countries.

Meanwhile, 156 patients have recovered and been discharged.

As of Sunday, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand had risen to 25,415. Of these, 24,285 had been contracted locally, including 14,393 who were found via proactive testing, while 2,696 were overseas travellers. So far, 24,285 have recovered and been discharged, 1,047 patients are still in hospitals, and 83 have died.

According to Worldometer, as of 10am on Sunday, the number of confirmed cases globally had risen to 111.64 million (up by 372,396), 86.81 million have recovered, 22.3 million are active cases (94,448 in severe condition) and 2.47 million have died (up by 8,446).

Thailand ranks 113th on the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 28.7 million, followed by India 11 million, Brazil 10.13 million, Russia 4.15 million and the United Kingdom 4.1 million.: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402873

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[fisunana56]

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[S Landreth]

Thailand - 415 asymptomatic Covid-19 cases found in Pathum Thani

Pathum Thani’s Covid-19 Information Centre on Sunday said that the provincial health office had undertaken proactive testing from February 9-19, and found 415 people with no symptoms positive for Covid-19.

The aggressive testing was initiated after cluster cases were found at Pornpat Market in Thanyaburi district.

“Officials have tested over 10,000 people around the market and nearby communities,” said the centre.“Most of the infected people are Thai merchants in markets and migrant workers. There are over 900 persons having close contact with these patients, around 300 of whom have been traced and tested while the rest are being investigated.

“Those who have been to the market during February 9-13 should remain in self-quarantine and monitor symptoms closely,” added the centre.“Avoid traveling or interacting with others, wear face mask at all times, wash your hands regularly and separate personal items from other family members."

For any inquiry, contact hotline 1422 and see the doctor near your residence.: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402908

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Declining trend seen as 89 new Covid-19 cases reported

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Monday reported 89 new cases, under 100 cases for the third consecutive day, of whom 16 were overseas travellers in quarantine facilities.

Samut Sakhon had 31 cases of the 59 exposed to the disease while visiting high-risk areas, followed by 11 cases in Tak, 9 in Pathum Thani, six in Nakhon Pathom, one each in Ayutthaya and Ang Thong,Meanwhile, proactive testing led to the discovery of 14 cases, nine of them in Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon (2), Tak (2), and Nonthaburi (1)In Pathum Thani, 13,293 have been screened and 422 found to be infected, accounting for a 3.17 per cent positive rate. The transmission areas still cover nine provinces with most found in the outbreak area.

Of the overseas travellers found infected in quarantine centres, 10 were Thais returning from the United States, United Kingdom, Qatar, Armenia, as well as an Indian, a British, an American, a Pakistani, a Portuguese and a Latvian from their respective countries.

Meanwhile, 76 patients have recovered and been discharged.: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402909

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Thailand - 95 new Covid-19 cases, two-thirds in Samut Sakhon

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Tuesday reported 95 new cases.

Of the 52 exposed to the disease while visiting high-risk areas, 40 were in Samut Sakhon, followed by three cases in Pathum Thani, two each in Bangkok, Tak, and Ang Thong, one each in Nakhon Pathum, Nonthaburi, and Ayutthaya.

Meanwhile, proactive testing led to the discovery of 41 cases, most in Pathum Thani (25), followed by Samut Sakhon (25) and Nonthaburi (2)A British male and a Thai man who flew in from the United Kingdom were the two cases of overseas travellers in quarantine facilities.

Meanwhile, 76 patients have recovered and been discharged.As of Tuesday, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand had risen to 25,599. Of these, 22,885 had been contracted locally, including 14,448 who were found via proactive testing, while 2,714 were returnees. So far, 24,446 have recovered and been discharged, 1,070 patients are still in hospitals, and 83 have died.

According to Worldometer, as of 10am on Tuesday, the number of confirmed cases globally had risen to 112.26 million (up by 286,116), 87.78 million have recovered, 22.98 million are active cases (93,916 in severe condition) and 2.49 million have died (up by 6,522).Thailand ranks 114th on the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 28.82 million, followed by India 11.01 million, Brazil 10.2 million, Russia 4.18 million and the United Kingdom 4.13 million.: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30402955

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.