#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003771

Anutin defends Thailand’s decision not to join Covax initially

In a move to explain why Thailand did not join the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (Covax) alliance initially, Public Health Minister said the government had made the right decision.

Since February, he said, Thailand has purchased 27 million doses directly from manufacturers, not including the 3.5 million doses delivered in donations. In comparison, Covax members have only been given an average of a million doses, he said.

Covax has, so far, delivered 138 million doses to 136 countries.

The alliance delivers vaccines under two schemes – one covering advance market commitments (AMC) for 92 low- and middle-income countries, and one for self-financing participants (SFP).
Thailand falls under the SFP category because it is an upper-middle-income country.

Anutin reiterated that Thailand had made the right decision to not join the alliance initially but is doing so now that the situation has changed, and manufacturers can meet their commitments.
He also explained that Thailand chose to purchase vaccines directly from manufacturers because Covax operations were unstable until recently.

Published : July 26, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003770

Expats aged 60 and above can get their jab at Bang Sue Grand Station

Foreign expats aged 60 and above can now register for their Covid-19 jab, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tanee Sangrat said while visiting the inoculation centre at Bang Sue Grand Station on Sunday.

On Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry announced that foreigners born in or before 1961 can register for a jab via https://forms.gle/ULAqvx8eiDoX3v5Q9.

Those living in Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon are eligible. They will get their shot at the Bang Sue Grand Station.

Foreigners aged 75 and above can also walk in to register and get a jab between 9am and 4pm daily. However, the number of walk-ins serviced will be limited initially.

ADVERTISEMENTx

Expats aged 60 and above can get their jab at Bang Sue Grand Station

“We expect to set up appointments for 200 to 300 foreigners per day,” Tanee said. “And soon we will expand the pre-registration service for other groups of foreigners.”

He added that Public Health Minister Anutin Charvirakul also visited the centre on Sunday and urged relevant agencies to start vaccinating foreign residents. Anutin said this was in line with the government’s policy to inoculate as many people as possible to contain the spread of Covid-19.

“The minister also met expats who had arrived to get their jab, many of whom were grateful for being given one,” Tanee said.

Expats aged 60 and above can get their jab at Bang Sue Grand StationAs of Sunday, 2,368 foreigners have been vaccinated at Bang Sue Grand Station, of which 1,516 had registered online and 852 were walk-ins.

Published : July 26, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003769

Restaurants in malls may be allowed to sell food online

The Public Health Ministry is considering allowing restaurants located inside department stores to sell food online, deputy government spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul said on Monday.

She said the government realised the difficulties faced by entrepreneurs and citizens due to the tightened Covid-19 measures which came into effect on July 20.

“Once they reach a decision, the ministry will propose it to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration,” she said.

ADVERTISEMENTx

Initially, easing restrictions would involve:

1. Restaurant operators must implement measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 among employees by wearing face mask, avoiding gatherings, going to workplace via sealed routes, refrain from opening the restaurant and taking the day off if respiratory symptoms are noticed or contact is made with Covid-19 patients.

2. Department stores must set up food pickup points at ventilated areas and implement Covid-19 measures, such as keeping a distance, wearing face mask, setting up hand sanitising points, screening visitors’ temperature and using the Thai Chana platform.

3. Online food delivery drivers must wear a face mask, maintain distance, use alcohol-based hand gel and take the day off if they develop respiratory symptoms or contact Covid-19 patients.

Published : July 26, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003768

First lot of 1.5 million Pfizer vaccines earmarked for frontline medics

The first lot of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines will arrive this month, the Ministry of Public Health said on Sunday.

Some 1.5 million doses will be given to frontline medical professionals, with at least 500,000 doses from August onward, while another lot of over 20 million doses will be provided free of charge to people in risky groups and those living in risky areas starting October.

People in high-risk groups include elders over 60 years of age, people with seven underlying health problems and pregnant women.

“Any news that say the Pfizer quota for frontline medics has been reduced to only 200,000 doses are fake,” Public Health Ministry spokesman Dr Rungruang Kitphati said on Sunday.

“This month we will receive the first lot of 1.5 million doses of Pfizer vaccine donated by the US government. They will be given to frontline medics starting in August, with at least 500,000 doses as a booster shot or third shot to those who had already been given Sinovac or AstraZeneca vaccines.”

Rungruang added that the next lot of 21.54 million doses would soon follow and would be provided free of charge to people in risky groups and those living in risky areas from October onwards.

“There is a rumour that the general public would have to pay to get a Pfizer jab, which is not true,” he said.

“Do not believe any party that claims they can get you a Pfizer jab for a fee. The ministry will pursue legal actions against those spreading such rumours as they only cause confusion, which is the last thing we need amid this ongoing crisis.”

Published : July 26, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003767

Nearly 3,000 Covid-19 patients in Bangkok waiting for hospital beds

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) aims to build community isolation centres in all 50 districts for new Covid-19 patients to stay while waiting to be transferred to hospitals or field hospitals, mostly occupied now by current patients.

“We estimate that there are nearly 3,000 patients who have yet to be sent to hospitals and are unable to stay in isolation at home due to space constraints, so they will need to stay at community isolation centres instead,” BMA permanent secretary Silapasuay Raweesaengsoon said on Sunday.

Nearly 3,000 Covid-19 patients in Bangkok waiting for hospital beds

“Currently 52 isolation centres have been established in 49 districts. We aim to have at least one centre in each district for all 50 districts before the end of July,” she said.

“The community isolation centres have a combined capacity of 3,454 beds — 1,662 beds are already occupied while 1,792 beds are still available.”

Silapasuay added that the next community isolation centre to open is located at Minburi Chalerm Phrakiat Sport Centre with a capacity of 200 beds.

“The preparation is now at 90 per cent and we will perform a full system test run on July 26-27. The centre will officially open on July 29,” she said.

Nearly 3,000 Covid-19 patients in Bangkok waiting for hospital beds

The permanent secretary added that each community isolation centre will be equipped with cardboard beds and sleeping gear for each patient, PA system, CCTV cameras, wastewater and infectious waste management and security system.

Published : July 26, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003755

Isolated heavy rains forecast for North, Northeast and East

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Monday that the strong southwest monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand while a monsoon trough lies across the upper North and Laos into the active low-pressure over the coast of upper Vietnam.

Isolated heavy rains will be likely in the North, the Northeast and the East. People in upper Thailand should beware of the severe conditions and possible flash floods, the department said.

Waves in the upper Andaman Sea are expected to rise 2-3 metres and more than three metres during thundershowers. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats must keep ashore, the department said.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

North: Thundershowers in 70 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 23-25 degrees Celsius, highs of 29-32°C.

Northeast: Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 23-24°C, highs of 30-33°C.

Central: Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 23-25°C, highs of 31-33°C.

East: Thundershowers in 70 per cent of the areas with isolated heavy rains; temperature lows of 23-26°C, highs of 29-30°C; waves 1-2 metres high and two metres during thundershowers.

South (east coast): Thundershowers in 30 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 23-26°C, highs of 31-35°C; waves 1-2 metres high and two metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Thundershowers in 40 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-28°C, highs of 32-34°C; waves 2-3 metres high and over three metres during thundershowers.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Thundershowers in 60 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 24-26°C, highs of 31-32°C.

Source: Thailand Meteorological Department

Published : July 26, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003752

Daily infections reach new high on Monday at 15,376 infections and 87 deaths

Ministry of Public Health reported on Monday (July 26) morning that in the past 24 hours there are 15,376 new patients who tested positive for Covid-19, 1,041 of whom have been found in prisons.

Death toll increased by 87, while 6,782 patients were cured and allowed to leave hospitals.

Cumulative cases in the country are at 512,678 with 4,146 total deaths.

Published : July 26, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003749

Teacher emerges as ray of hope for teens online schooling

A municipal teachers generosity in Phitsanulok province has revived the academic career of an economically distressed student nicknamed “Ivy”.

The ongoing Covid-19 situation has forced every school in Phitsanulok to provide only online classes to students. However, many students are handicapped as their families are not capable of providing computers or smartphones to their children due to the economic situation.

The family of 14-year-old Ivy is also one of the families unable to provide electronic devices for her to attend online classes, due to lack of income amid the pandemic. But help arrived in the form of Taddao La-ongkaew, a homeroom teacher at Municipal 4 School, Muang Phisanulok district.

Taddao visited Ivy’s house and lent her a laptop, plus THB3,500 cash for the family to pay their rent.
Taddao has also filed documents to request a scholarship from the Equitable Education Fund for Ivy to receive THB2,000 per school semester until graduation.

Ivy told reporters that she was very happy to be able to attend online classes and send in her homework. She intends to graduate from junior high school and study at a technical college to build a career path, so as to provide income for the family.

Published : July 25, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003746

Another one million doses of Sinopharm vaccine arrive in Bangkok

Two Thai Airways flights landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday bringing a million doses of Sinopharm vaccine.

The Cargo & Mail Commercial Department and THAI Cargo Terminal Service Department of Thai Airways International had been entrusted by the Chulabhorn Royal Academy to deliver one million doses of “Sinopharm” Covid-19 vaccine with a total weight of 33.39 tons from Beijing.

Professor Nithi Mahanonda, secretary-general of Chulabhorn Royal Academy, and director of Chulabhorn Hospital, said the academy will open vaccine reservation again on July 27 as 48,756 registrants had not completed their registration. The cost of two doses of Sinopharm vaccine per person is THB1,554 (THB777 per dose). For every 2 doses, the Chulabhorn Royal Academy will donate half a dose to the underprivileged.

ADVERTISEMENTx

Another one million doses of Sinopharm vaccine arrive in BangkokAnother one million doses of Sinopharm vaccine arrive in BangkokAnother one million doses of Sinopharm vaccine arrive in Bangkok

Published : July 25, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40003744

Ministry arranging return to home province for Covid patients

The Public Health Ministry has cooperated with the National Health Security Office (NHSO) and related agencies on facilitating Covid-19 patients to return to their home province without risk of the virus spreading.

The move came after 504,241 people wanted to return to their home province via the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration system in July.

Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, Public Health Ministry deputy permanent secretary, said the returnees may cause the virus to spread as some of them had to rely on public transport.

“So far, 31,175 patients had returned to their province of which 70.37 per cent have mild symptoms,” he said.

He explained that once Covid-19 patients contact the NHSO, the ministry’s medical staff will organise transport and evaluate patients’ symptoms before departure.

“The provincial governor and public health officers will arrange care for patients after arriving at the destination,” he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Meanwhile, Attaporn Limpanyalert, NHSO deputy secretary, said home and community isolations are another way to enable Covid-19 patients to return to their home province.

He added that patients who wish to return to their home province can register via NHSO website or contact the office’s hotline 1330 press 15.

Published : July 25, 2021

By : The Nation