BANGKOK (NNT) The Ministry of Public Health reported that Thailand has 32 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, 10 of whom have recovered and have been discharged from hospital.

The Department of Disease Control reported today that fluids were isolated from the blood samples of a taxi driver, who was Thailand’s first case of local transmission of the coronavirus, and they will be used to create antibodies for two infected patients.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health, Dr. Yongyos Thammawut, said today that the number of coronavirus cases in the country remains at 32, as no new cases have been reported.

Death toll rises to 907 in China

From January 5th to February th, 2020, the virus spread to 26 countries around the world, infecting 40,553 people, with 40,171 cases confirmed on the Chinese mainland. The death toll from the outbreak rose to 909, of whom 907 occurred in China.

Concerning a group of Thai people brought back from the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan last week, five of them are now being treated at local hospitals, while 133 others are still in quarantine. None of them has a fever.

Their quarantine will last until February 19th, 2020; the Royal Thai Armed Forces will transport them home.

One of the infected patients has been transported to an isolation room at Chonburi Hospital in Chonburi province.

All Thai returnees from Wuhan remain under close supervision

The virus has not been detected in the patient’s roommate, who is in quarantine. All Thai returnees from Wuhan remain under close supervision. Public health officials continue to monitor their condition, ensure proper waste disposal and carry out measures to prevent contamination.

The Advisor to the Department of Disease Control, Dr.Tawee Chotpitayasunondh, said today the virus has yet to infect people via airborne transmission, as reported in foreign media. People shouldn’t panic because the virus is transmitted through coughing and sneezing.

Although it is airborne, there are other factors, including, location, weather and proximity of the people infected with the virus.

The Ministry of Public Health has encouraged people to wear protective masks in public or crowded places and wash their hands regularly with clean water and soap or use hand sanitizers. The supply of surgical masks in the country remains adequate.

Facts and figures

1. There are currently 22 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) being treated in hospitals and 10 cases who returned to their homes, bringing the total number of novel coronavirus infection cases detected in Thailand to 32.

2. From 3 January to 9, February 2020, the total number of patients under investigation (PUI) increased to 689 people. Of those, 51 PUI were detected from the airport screening and 631 people sought medical services on their own at hospitals, and 334 cases recovered from their illnesses and returned to their homes. Most of the PUI were infected with seasonal influenza, and 355 PUI are admitted at hospitals.

3. Regarding the international situation from 5 January to 9 February 2020, there were 40,553 confirmed cases around the world, and 909 deaths, with 40,171 cases coming from the People’s Republic of China, and 907 deaths.

4. The Ministry of Public Health needs the cooperation from the public to follow its recommendations. With the public’s cooperation, the situation will improve. The public is advised not to believe all of the circulating rumors from different sources. Please “Check before you Share.”

Information about patients is prohibited to share on online channels out of respect to the individual. Do not share the news situation from unreliable sources because incorrect information may cause widespread panic