The Bangkok Post reported a significant surge in Covid-19 cases in Thailand, with a focus on the situation in Bangkok. The number of infections has doubled in a week, raising concerns among health experts. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is strengthening disease control measures, particularly among children as the new semester begins.
Key Points
- National Surge: Thailand reported 33,030 Covid-19 cases between May 11-17, a significant increase from the previous week’s 16,000 cases. 1,918 individuals were hospitalized, and two deaths were reported.
- Bangkok Hotspot: Bangkok recorded the highest number of cases with 6,290 infections.
- Affected Regions: Other regions with high infection rates include:
- Chon Buri (2,573)
- Rayong (1,680)
- Nonthaburi (1,482)
- Samut Prakan (1,442)
- Age Group: Most infections are occurring in people aged 30-39.
Thira Woratanarat from the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University stated on his Facebook page on Monday that the report contradicted the Ministry of Public Health’s claim that the situation was not concerning. He emphasized that Covid-19 cases had shown a significant increase for 11 consecutive weeks.
BMA Specific Measures
Loetluck Leelaruangsaeng, director of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Medical Service Department (MSD), stated the city is strengthening disease control measures for children at the start of the new semester. MSD has instructed hospitals to prepare doctors, equipment, medicines, vaccines, and beds to support treatment, particularly for toddlers (0-4 years old), the elderly, bedridden patients, and those with chronic diseases.
People can access telemedicine via the “BMA Doctor” app or call the MSD hotline at 1646 for health concerns, said Ms. Loetluck. Ms. Pawinee from the BMA Health Department stated that the Surveillance and Rapid Response Team will be dispatched to outbreak locations. Schools must inform the department if more than five students are infected.
