How Covid-19 Might Spread to You

[Bange]

It's been three years since the outbreak of COVID-19, when will the Bangkok epidemic end, and now the global economy is already facing collapse

[fishlocker]

If only grass was free weed quit alcohol, drive slower and eat bacon double cheeseburgers.
But the vegans may have a tizzy over it.
Let's go Brandon!

[Blue]

The problem is that there are big health risks with both habits. Both smoking and vaping involve nicotine, which is very addictive. Smoking has been proven to cause cancer, which can kill you.

It has been proven that making tobbacco too expensive causes ppl to turn to fast food. It's the only cheap drug. And that causes the obesity crisis and can kill you just as easily

[robertjohn5814]

The people around you do not share your same views like smoking and vaping, because when you are in a group of people, chances are, that is going to be the case.

[robertjohn5814]

The problem is that there are big health risks with both habits. Both smoking and vaping involve nicotine, which is very addictive. Smoking has been proven to cause cancer, which can kill you.

[S Landreth]

Thailand records 16,994 Covid-19 cases and 124 deaths on Monday

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

Public Health Ministry reported on Monday (April 18) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 16,994 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 76 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014635

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

• Everybody will get Omicron sooner or later, says lung expert

Almost every person in Thailand will at some point contract the Omicron variant of Covid-19 and should learn how to live with the risk, a lung specialist said.

Dr Manoon Leechawengwongs shared his opinion on the Covid-19 situation two years after its arrival in a Facebook post on Monday.

He said Covid-19 was a new disease and it took a while to understand it. As a frontline doctor who treated several Covid-19 patients, he said the pandemic can be summarised into five points:

Covid-19 can be spread via airborne particles

In March 2020, a cluster of infections was sparked at the Lumpini Boxing Stadium even though people were more than 10 metres from the source. This is because the stadium was not well-ventilated and air-conditioned. This proved that wearing masks can curb the virus from spreading.

Thailand began importing Sinovac in February 2021 and Manoon said he and his family members were among the first to receive this jab. However, in July 2021, he suggested that the government stop importing Sinovac because people who contracted Covid-19 after getting the jab had more severe symptoms compared to those who had received AstraZeneca.

People have realised that inactivated vaccines are not very effective, but provide some protection.

Learning to live with Covid-19

In October 2021, he wrote that the virus cannot be defeated and it will be impossible to reduce the number of patients to zero even with the strictest lockdown measures. Fully vaccinated people can still be infected with Covid-19 because it can mutate and skip the immunity gained from vaccination or previous infections.

In January 2022, Manoon said the Omicron variant can spread quicker than other variants, so everyone should receive vaccines to prevent the severity of symptoms and death.

He said that once vaccinated, people do not have to be afraid because they are likely to have mild or no symptoms when infected.

There is no proof Favipiravir can prevent death from Covid

In a post in March 2022, Manoon pointed out that though many Covid-19 patients were prescribed Favipiravir early, they still developed pneumonia. However, he said, deaths and severe symptoms can be effectively reduced with new medicines like Molnupiravir and Paxlovid.

Hence, he said, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation should stop producing and importing Favipiravir because doctors will soon stop prescribing it. https://www.nationthailand.com/life/40014649

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Thailand records 17,775 Covid-19 cases and 128 deaths on Sunday

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

Public Health Ministry reported on Sunday (April 17) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 17,775 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 82 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014617

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

• Students to get Pfizer Covid-19 boosters in time for new school year

Covid-19 booster shots will be given to 12 to 17-year-olds when schools reopen next month, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) said on Sunday.

DDC director-general Opas Karnkawinpong said 7th to 12th graders with no underlying or chronic conditions will receive a Pfizer jab, so they are protected once they start attending school. The new school year starts on May 15.

Opas said DDC has chosen the Pfizer vaccine because it boosts immunity and causes very few side effects. He added that the vaccines are ready for direct use without being mixed with saline water and can be stored for another 10 weeks or so under 2 to 8 degrees Celsius.

He said each student will only be administered 15 micrograms to minimise side effects.

The DDC chief said students will be given their jabs through the school system, though those who have chronic diseases and are being schooled at home must get their booster at a hospital.

Children suffering from obesity, respiratory problems, cardiac and vascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, cancer or low immunity disease, diabetes or other genetic issues must get their booster at a hospital.

Opas said doctors will decide how to administer the booster jab to children with chronic conditions under medical principles, guidelines from the vaccine maker and with consent from parents. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014627

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

• Work-from-home best policy for 1st week after Songkran: CCSA official

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)’s operation centre chief called on state and private agencies on Sunday to let their staff work from home for a week to minimise infections after Songkran.

General Supoj Malaniyom, director of the CCSA operation centre, also advised vulnerable groups to get a booster shot as soon as possible to minimise deaths in case new infection clusters break out.

Supoj, who is also secretary-general of the National Security Council, said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is concerned about a surge in infections now that people are returning from the provinces.

He said the premier has called on relevant government agencies to monitor the situation from Monday to April 24.

People returning to work after spending the past week upcountry are also being advised to monitor their condition for a week and to take a rapid antigen test if they develop any symptoms.

Supoj also quoted Prayut as saying that companies and government agencies should let their employees work remotely for a week to effectively prevent the spread of the virus after the holidays.

Relevant agencies have been instructed to put in place measures for home and community isolation as well as field hospitals to cover new Covid-19 patients, Supoj added.

He said the premier is concerned that the number of Covid-related deaths has not reduced and has instructed all relevant agencies to take steps to reduce fatalities.

Supoj said 90 per cent of those killed by the virus are the elderly and people with chronic conditions who have not received their booster shots yet. Hence, he said, the best way to prevent deaths is to ensure people in this group get their third jab.

He added that the CCSA will likely meet this week to evaluate the situation and see if more measures are necessary to prevent a surge in new infections after Songkran. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014630

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

18,892 new Covid cases, 125 more deaths

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

The country registered 18,892 more Covid-19 cases and 125 new fatalities during the previous 24 hours, the Public Health Ministry announced on Saturday morning. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...25-more-deaths

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

[S Landreth]

Thailand records 20,289 Covid-19 cases and 119 deaths on Friday

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

Ministry of Public Health reported on Friday (April 15) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 20,289 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 68 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014558

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

• Waiting for immunity via infection ‘riskier than getting booster shot’

The National Vaccine Institute sounded the alarm on Thursday over a social-media rumour that booster jabs are not needed as infection with Omicron builds strong immunity against Covid-19.

The institute warned that people who rely on “natural immunity” from infection were risking severe illness or even death, as well as long Covid in adults and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.

It added that booster jabs were safe and offered strong protection against the current Omicron infection wave, as proven by data from countries worldwide.

"Amid the Omicron pandemic, two Covid-19 jabs do not protect people from infection, but they provide 85 per cent protection against death," the institute explained.

"The third jab provides 34-68 per cent protection against infection and 98-99 per cent against death, while the fourth jab provides 80-82 per cent protection against infection."

The institute said there was no record of anyone dying from Covid-19 after receiving the fourth jab.

However, data shows that only 35 per cent of Thais had received a booster jab as of April 8.

The take-up rate for boosters is also low in the three groups at highest risk of severe symptoms and death from Covid-19 – the over-60s, pregnant women and people with one of seven chronic conditions (lung complaints, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, stroke, obesity, cancer and diabetes).

"Only a small proportion in these groups have a received booster jab," said the institute, urging them to get another Covid-19 jab to protect themselves.

It said people could also keep themselves and their loved ones safe from the virus by keeping their guard up and following official measures. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014574

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Thailand records 24,134 Covid-19 cases and 115 deaths on Thursday

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

Ministry of Public Health reported on Thursday (April 14) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 24,134 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 125 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014521

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

• Songkran parties likely to double or triple Covid cases, expert warns

A medical expert on Thursday warned that Thailand’s Covid-19 cases would likely double or triple after the long Songkran holidays due to parties at many entertainment venues, in a repeat of last year’s events.

Assoc Professor Thira Woratanarat, from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, wrote in a Facebook post that media reports showed many restaurants-cum-entertainment venues had failed to follow Covid safety measures, as their customers were seen partying, drinking and firing water guns in crowded places.

“You will have to throw away your [medical] textbooks if such things lead to no outbreak. They have all the contributing factors — crowdedness, closeness, poor ventilation, sharing of objects, and long duration,” he wrote.

Dr Thira noted that the number of daily Covid-19 cases had increased two to three times after the long Songkran holidays last year, and he expected a similar situation this year.

“The impact didn’t stop there. The number doubled again a month later,” he added.

He noted that Thailand on Wednesday was ranked seventh in the world and third in Asia for the number of people reporting Covid-positive after antigen self-testing.

Also on Wednesday, he added, Thailand’s Covid death casualties were No. 9 in the world, making up of 15.4 per cent of all reported deaths in Asia.

Thira blamed the spike in Covid cases on a widespread perception that the currently dominant Omicron variant is mild and controllable following the Public Health Ministry’s attempt to lower Covid from a pandemic to an endemic.

He warned that even after they were cured, Covid patients risked long-term impacts of the Long Covid effect to their health and everyday life.

“They could get chronic diseases that could inflict huge financial burden on the patients, their families and the country in the long term,” the medical expert said. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014542

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Thailand records 23,015 Covid-19 cases and 106 deaths on Wednesday

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

Ministry of Public Health reported on Wednesday (April 13) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 23,015 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 95 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014487

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

• Home stay rules to be relaxed

Home isolation for high-risk people who have been exposed to someone infected with Covid-19 is expected to be reduced from a week to five days starting next month.

Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control (DDC), said on Tuesday the National Communicable Disease Committee (NCDC) agreed on Monday that the quarantine period will be cut to five days while another five days will be required for them to observe and monitor their health.

"The decision is in line with the global situation," Dr Opas told a media briefing, adding that people isolating at home are not deemed to be patients.

Currently, at-risk people exposed to those infected have to self-isolate at home for seven days, and then observe and monitor their health condition for a further three days.

During the three-day period, they are allowed freedom of movement, but have to follow precautions strictly, he said.

The decision was made based on information that the incubation period of Omicron, which is now the dominant strain of Covid-19 in Thailand and many countries, is only about three days, Dr Opas said.

He added that several countries have decided to cut quarantine periods for travellers considering the short incubation period.

The new quarantine rule will be presented for approval by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) after the Songkran festival, and if it is approved the change will take effect next month, Dr Opas said.

But before that, the CCSA will have to assess the post-Songkran situation, he said. Daily caseloads are expected to surge after the festival, though health authorities believe the situation can be brought under control, Dr Opas said.

He added that those aged 60 and older and people with underlying health problems account for 97% of Covid-19 deaths recorded in the country.

The majority of those who died (94%) did not receive Covid-19 vaccine booster shots, Dr Opas said.

Data shows that booster shots can prevent the worst effects of the virus and administering boosters to high-risk groups is the Public Health Ministry's priority, he said.

A graphic presented at the media briefing showed the daily tally of Covid-19 infections is expected to surge to 100,000 in a worst-case scenario by April 19 unless strict precautions are widely observed up and down the country for the duration of Songkran. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...-to-be-relaxed

[S Landreth]

• Coronavirus Cases: 500,806,429

Deaths: 6,208,916

Under reported US death count: 1,012,918

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

it's been blown way out of proportion.

• Thailand records 19,982 Covid-19 cases and 101 deaths on Tuesday

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

Ministry of Public Health reported on Tuesday (April 12) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 19,982 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 52 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014446

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

[S Landreth]

Thailand records 22,387 Covid-19 cases and 105 deaths on Monday

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

Ministry of Public Health reported on Monday (April 11) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 22,387 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 87 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014410

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

• Half dose of mRNA booster still very effective, says top virologist

Half the dose of an mRNA vaccine can provide as much immunity as a full dose, a top virologist said recently.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Chulalongkorn University’s Dr Yong Poovorawan said studies show that administering half a dose of an mRNA vaccine, especially Moderna, is just as effective as a full dose.

He added that in the US and Europe half doses or 50 micrograms of the vaccine are being administered as boosters.

He also pointed out that the Thai Food and Drug Administration had approved the administration of half doses and even indicated this on the label.

Hence, he said, people are within their rights to ask for half a dose even if their first two shots were of an inactivated vaccine like Sinovac or Sinopharm.

Yong went on to say that the Public Health Ministry has also approved the administration of half a dose or 15mcg of Pfizer vaccines as booster shots. This decision was backed by studies conducted by Chulalongkorn University and Siriraj Hospital.

He said the study conducted by Chulalongkorn’s Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology found that half a dose of an mRNA vaccine as a booster provides sufficient immunity.

The peer-reviewed Vaccine journal is looking into publishing this study, while it has already been published on the MedRxiv website https://bit.ly/3up4VA2. https://www.nationthailand.com/life/40014423

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

• COVID-19 Omicron BA.2 will supersede BA.1 in next two weeks in Thailand

The Thai Medical Sciences Department has predicted that, in less than two weeks, the BA.2 sub-variant of the Omicron variant will account for 100% of new COVID-19 infections in Thailand.

The department head, Dr. Supakit Sirilak, said today (Monday) that the department conducted a random diagnosis of COVID-19 infections last week and found that the BA.2 sub-variant accounted for 95.9% of new infections, with 4.1% being the BA.1 sub-variant, adding that no BA.3 sub-variant has been identified yet.

He dismissed, as unfounded, a report that BA.2 can evade the immune response generated by vaccines. He said, however, that two doses of vaccine are not enough, as immunity generated by the vaccines will steadily reduce. He recommended third booster jabs of either AstraZeneca or Pfizer for those who have received only two doses to date.

Citing information from the Disease Control Department, Dr. Supakit said the death toll for unvaccinated people is 767 per one million of the population, but the rate reduces to 366 per million for those who have received one vaccine dose, 145 per million for those who have received two doses and 25 per million for those who have received their booster jab.

He also said that there have, so far, not been any reports of death among those who have received four doses of vaccine.

A third, or booster jab, administered two weeks after the second dose will help reduce the risk of sickness from the BA.1 and BA.2 strains of Omicron variant, he added. https://www.thaipbsworld.com/covid-1...s-in-thailand/

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

• Thailand records 25,140 Covid-19 cases and 89 deaths on Friday

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

Ministry of Public Health reported on Friday (April 8) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 25,140 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 100 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014312

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

• Thailand records 25,298 Covid-19 cases and 98 deaths on Saturday

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

Ministry of Public Health reported on Saturday (April 9) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 25,298 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 78 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014355

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

• Thailand records 25,139 Covid-19 cases and 108 deaths on Sunday

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

Public Health Ministry reported on Sunday (April 10) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 25,139 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 67 of whom have arrived in Thailand from abroad. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014383

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

• NHSO pays THB1.71bn to people hit by side-effects from Covid jabs

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has paid 1.71 billion baht in compensation to 14,034 people who developed side effects from Covid-19 vaccines over the past year.

Jadet Thammathat-Aree, NHSO secretary-general, said on Friday that on April 15, 2021, the government instructed the NHSO to set up a system to compensate people suffering from Covid-19 vaccine side effects. He said the NHSO and its 13 regional offices have been focused on helping affected people since then.

As of Thursday, 17,171 people had filed complaints to seek compensation for what they claim to be side effects from the Covid-19 vaccines, Jadet said.

He added that the NHSO has approved payment to over 80 per cent or 14,034 applicants so far, and rejected 2,551 cases. The remaining 586 cases are still being reviewed.

The top five regions with the highest number of complaints about vaccine side-effects are:

• Region 13 (Bangkok): 2,811 cases

• Region 10 (Ubon Ratchathani): 1,984 cases

• Region 1 (Chiang Mai): 1,809 cases

• Region 8 (Udon Thani): 1,651 cases

• Region 9 (Nakhon Ratchasima): 1,155 cases

NHSO pays THB1.71bn to people hit by side-effects from Covid jabsHe said 9,452 complainants (55.05 per cent) were entitled to medical rights under NHSO, while 4,061 complainants (23.65 per cent) came under the Social Security Office. Of the complainants seeking compensation, 18.89 per cent or 3,244 are government officials, while the remaining 412 complainants are not beneficiaries under any of the three government healthcare schemes.

Jadet said that of those compensated, 9,938 complainants fell under Category 1 or no severe side effects and were paid 100,000 baht each. Meanwhile, the 426 complainants who fell under Category 2 or had side effects that made them partially disabled were paid 240,000 baht each. As for the 3,670 who fell under Category 3, which covers deaths or permanent disability, they were given 400,000 baht in compensation each, he said.

NHSO pays THB1.71bn to people hit by side-effects from Covid jabsPeople who develop side effects from Covid-19 vaccines can file a complaint at the vaccination venue or at the provincial public health office or at any of the 13 NHSO regional offices. Complaints must be filed within two years of receiving the vaccine.

Once a complaint is received, a provincial sub-committee comprising doctors and people’s representatives will study details to see if the applicant is entitled to compensation and how much. If the complaint is rejected, the applicant can appeal to the NHSO head office within 30 days. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014336

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

• Thailand extends AstraZeneca vaccine shelf life from 6 to 9 months

The Food and Drug Administration of Thailand has approved an extension to the shelf-life for Covid-19 vaccine AstraZeneca to nine months with immediate effect.

“The newly extended shelf life of our vaccine is welcome news that will greatly benefit the national vaccination programme, ensuring that doses can be safely stored for longer before they are administered,” said James Teague, president of AstraZeneca (Thailand) on Friday.

“As the third dose booster programme is further implemented, AstraZeneca will continue to support the government in providing vaccine doses to help protect against Covid-19.”

The Thai FDA’s approval to extend the vaccine’s shelf life from six months to nine months was based on an extensive review of data, according to the company.

Teague said that AstraZeneca and its global partners had supplied over 2.8 billion doses of the vaccine to more than 180 countries, and approximately two-thirds of these doses have been delivered to low- and lower-middle-income countries.

“The vaccine is estimated to have helped prevent 50 million Covid-19 cases, five million hospitalisations, and to have helped save more than one million lives.”

Reuters reported last month that Indonesia also extended AstraZeneca’s shelf life as nearly six million donated shots were approaching their expiry dates. The move came after poorer nations rejected more than 100 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine distributed by COVAX in December, mainly because of a rapidly approaching expiry date, a Unicef official told Reuters. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014356

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

• No doses from recalled Moderna batch in Thailand: health official

Moderna's move to recall a batch of 764,900 vaccine doses on Friday does not affect Thailand, Public Health Commission vice chairman Chalermchai Boonyaleephan said on Sunday.

The recalled doses had been delivered to five European countries – Norway, Sweden, Spain, Portugal and Poland – in January, he said.

"Hence, people who have received Moderna jabs or are waiting for booster jabs do not have to worry about this issue," he wrote in a Blockdit post.

Chalermchai said Moderna recalled the doses because contamination was found in one vial, adding that the company did not clarify what was found in the vial.

"Moderna said the doses in question were made by its contracted manufacturer, Rovi, in Spain,” he said.

Rovi was also behind the recall of 1.63 million doses in Japan last September after 39 vials were found to be contaminated with stainless steel.

Chalermchai said the issue demonstrated the important role of manufacturers in safely delivering the vaccine.

He added that AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by Thailand's Siam Bioscience has so far met safety standards with no reports of contamination. https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014389

Perhaps a blessing in disguise for the Golden Land.

[S Landreth]

Thailand - New Covid cases soar above 26,000 Thursday, 91 deaths

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.

The country registered a sharply higher 26,081 more Covid-19 cases, the Public Health Ministry announced on Thursday morning, along with 91 new fatalities during the previous 24 hours. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand...sday-91-deaths

Nature's way of thinning out the weary herd.