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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000197

11 Covid-19 patients, including pregnant woman, succumb in record deaths on a single day

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Sunday reported 2,438 new cases and 11 deaths, the highest on a single day since the pandemic outbreak.

Of the total, 2,151 people were exposed to the disease while visiting high-risk areas. Proactive testing led to the discovery of 282 cases. Five cases were overseas arrivals in quarantine facilities.

The 11 deaths reported on Sunday comprised eight men and three women. Most of them were overweight, had diabetes, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia, authorities said.

One of them was a 25-week pregnant woman, 32, a resident of Bangkok. She reportedly contracted Covid-19 from visiting a crowded area and started to have fever and cough on April 8. The virus was confirmed on April 15. The patient passed away on April 23 at 10.50pm. The cause of death is under investigation.

Meanwhile, 547 patients have recovered and been discharged in the last 24 hours.

As of Sunday, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand had risen to 55,460. Of these, 52,460 had been contracted locally, including 21,660 who were found via proactive testing, while 3,271 were returnees. So far, 31,113 have recovered and been discharged, 24,207 patients are still in hospitals, and 140 have died.

According to Worldometer, as of 11am on Sunday, the number of confirmed cases globally had risen to 147.06 million (up by 821,674), 124 million have recovered, 19.24 million are active cases (110,159 in severe condition) and 3.11 million have died (up by 13,390).

Thailand ranks 105th on the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 32.79 million, followed by India 16.95 million, Brazil 14.3 million, France 5.47 million, and Russia 4.75 million.

Meanwhile, another 14,675 people got the first shot of their vaccine in the last 24 hours, and 14,033 people got their second, bringing the total vaccine doses given to 949,124.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000196

Online petition seeks Anutins exit as Public Health Minister over Covid-19 crisis

An online group, “MorJaMaiThon” [Doctors can’t stand anymore], has launched a campaign demanding the resignation of Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

The campaign, “Call for Minister of Public Health to resign due to the failure to resolve the Covid-19 outbreak”, was launched at midnight on Friday on Change.org.

Within a few hours — as of 9.30am on April 25 — the campaign had drawn more than 45,000 supporters.

The campaigners stated that over the past one year, the Covid-19 outbreak had proved Anutin did not have enough capacity to control the spread of the virus through proper policy-making, resource management, vaccine procurement, or building confidence among medical personnel.

Citing interviews by Anutin, the group said it was clear that there was no proper vision to work in control of the main ministry, especially during the outbreaks that are out of control.

They cited Anutin dismissing the outbreak initially as, “It’s just a common cold.” And when medical personnel were infected, he said: “The doctors were not careful to avoid infection with Covid-19. They should be scolded,” besides other faux pas in many more interviews.

“The public acknowledgement of all these failures prove that we cannot afford to squander our precious time and we must put an end to management that is not effective enough by requesting Anutin to resign and let those who have the ability to take the position at a time when the country is in a crisis,” the campaign states.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000194

PM tells state agencies to expand facilities as Covid-19 cases surge

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha on Saturday told government authorities to augment facilities for treating the increasing number of Covid-19 cases.

In a Facebook post, he said that the Public Health Ministry had been told to arrange additional beds to tackle shortage and cooperate with transport agencies on sending patients to hospitals in Bangkok’s perimeter.

“The Public Health Ministry will contact 1,423 patients on transportation to hospitals based on symptoms within 2-3 days,” he said.

Prayut, who also heads the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said the Public Health Ministry had also been told to improve the efficiency of the call centre to cope with increasing patients, allow patients to screen for Covid-19 at field hospitals to reduce congestion in hospitals and increase the number of volunteers.

“If the situation worsens, the quarantine period for asymptomatic patients in hospitals may be reduced to 10 days while they can continue self-isolation in their homes, so as to increase bed availability and relieve the burden on medical staff,” he said.

He said government authorities nationwide have been urged to strictly implement measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

“Provincial governors have the authority to tighten measures, such as closing premises or imposing curfew, as necessary,” he said.

He promised to continue monitoring the government authorities’ operations in order to solve this crisis based on people’s safety.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000193

2.2 million Favipiravir tablets to fight Covid-19 arriving tomorrow from Japan

A consignment of 2.2 million Favipiravir pills ordered from Japan is arriving on April 26. The order was placed after the Ministry of Public Health urged state agencies to prepare for the latest Covid-19 wave.

Dr Surachoke Tangwiwat, the deputy director-general of the Food and Drug Administration, said that Minister of Health Anutin Charnvirakul had told the FDA to expedite the import of 2.2 million Favipiravir tablets.

The FDA joined forces with the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation to coordinate the import of antiretroviral drugs, including Favipiravir from Japan.

The government also plans to stock up on medicines to ensure domestic demand is met.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000192

Bangkok tightens lockdown, orders closure of more premises

Bangkok has ordered the temporary closure of more business establishments from April 26 to May 9, in a bid to contain the spread of Covid-19, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said on Sunday.

The decision was made at a meeting of the communicable disease committee, presided over by Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang at City Hall on Saturday.

BMA spokesman Pongsakorn Kwanmuang said after the meeting that most people got infected from workplaces and public gatherings, as they did not follow social distancing, citing an investigation by the Health Department.

The committee approved to close the following premises:

– Theatres

– Water and amusement parks

– Zoos

– Rinks for skating, rollerblading, etc

– Snooker clubs

– Bowling and arcade centres

– Internet cafes

– Swimming pools

– Fitness centres

– Exhibition centres

– Museums

– Libraries

– Nurseries (except in hospitals)

– Elderly care homes (except where overnight admissions are allowed)

– Boxing stadiums and schools

– Martial arts schools

– Tatoo parlours

– Dance studios

– Horse racing courses

– Amulet markets

– Health and beauty centres

– Spa and massage parlours

– Stadiums

– Department stores, shopping malls and community malls (open from 11am to 9pm, and must refrain from holding promotional activities; restaurants must arrange seats two metres apart or use partitions)

– Beauty salons (allow only hair wash and hairdressing,

customers cannot wait in salons)

– Public parks

– Convenience stores (open from 5am to 10pm)

– Refrain from holding parties, camping, TV programme or movie production, religious activities and gatherings with over 20 persons.

“The measure will come into effect for 14 days from April 26 to May 9 or until the change is made,” Pongsakorn said.

He said restaurants outside department stores, shopping malls and community malls can stay open until 9pm and arrange seats two metres apart or use partitions.

“After 9pm, restaurants can provide take-home service until 11pm,” he said.

He urged citizens to wear face masks in public areas, warning that those violating the rule would face punishment under the law.

“In addition, the BMA would improve patient transportation and call centre service in a bid to gain confidence among people,” he added.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000191

Hot day with occasional thundershowers forecast for most of Thailand

A hot to very hot day with isolated thundershowers has been forecast for upper Thailand due to a heat low over the area, the Thailand Meteorological Department said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the southwesterly winds still blow in, carrying moisture from the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand to the North, the Northeast, the Central including Bangkok and its vicinity, and the East regions.

People should beware of the hot to very hot weather, the department said.

The westerly and southwesterly winds are expected to bring thundershowers to the South.

From April 26 to 30, thunderstorms with gusty winds, hail and isolated heavy rains are possible in the upper country due to another high-pressure system from China extending to the Northeast and the South China Sea.

The 24-hour weather forecast for different regions:

North: Hot to very hot with haze; isolated thundershowers and gusty winds over the western and lower portion of Chiang Mai, Tak, Nan, Kamphaeng Phet, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phichit and Phetchabun provinces; minimum temperature 23-28 degrees Celsius, maximum 37-40°C; southwesterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Northeast: Hot day with isolated thundershowers and gusty winds in Loei, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Mukdahan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani provinces; minimum temperature 23-28°C, maximum 34-37°C; southwesterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Central: Hot day with isolated thundershowers and gusty winds, mostly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi provinces; minimum temperature 25-26°C, maximum 36-39°C; southwesterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

East: Hot day with isolated thundershowers, mostly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces; minimum temperature 24-27°C, maximum 33-36°C; southwesterly winds 10-30 km/hr; waves below a metre high and above a metre in thundershowers.

South (east coast): Scattered thundershowers in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Yala and Narathiwat provinces; minimum temperature 22-26°C, maximum 32-35°C; southwesterly winds 15-30 km/hr; waves about a metre high and 1-2 metres in thundershowers.

South (west coast): Scattered thundershowers in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun provinces; minimum temperature 23-26°C, maximum 31-34°C; westerly winds 15-35 km/hr; waves 1-2 metres high and about two metres in thundershowers.

Bangkok and its vicinity: Hot day with isolated rain; minimum temperature 25-27°C, maximum 33-38°C; southwesterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Published : April 25, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000184

Why do some persons vaccinated against Covid-19 get infected again?

The Covid-19 issue is still being monitored by people around the world, as well as those suffering in Thailand. According to ourworldindata.org, the Thai government has inoculated 0.97 per cent of the countrys population. The side-effects of the Covid-19 vaccine are regularly reported.

Dr Nakhon Premsri – director of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) – said that it was better to be vaccinated.

The vaccine does not immediately immunise the patient, but initially protects them from severe conditions.

Nakhon explained that in Brazil, where Covid-19 spread widely and seriously, the Chinese Sinovac vaccine had around 50 per cent efficacy in immunising the frontline doctors and nurses whereas in Turkey, where the virus crisis was not as severe as in Brazil, the same Chinese product had around 80 per cent efficacy.

The NVI director underlined that it was very risky to visit public spaces without wearing a face mask, even if one were inoculated.

“The vaccination is in addition to other practices, such as wearing a mask or social distancing,” he added.

What will happen if several people decide not to take the vaccine?

To this question, Nakhon said that health measures would be implemented for several years, until Covid-19 disappears on its own. During this time, total cases would reach 100 million, with total deaths of over 100,000 in Thailand.

“That is why the vaccine is very important,” he emphasised.

What are the side-effects of vaccination?

Nakhon said that most side-effects happen after 30 minutes of vaccination. And they generally are high fever, fainting, low blood pressure, tightness in the chest and difficulty in breathing.

Published : April 24, 2021

By : The Nation

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000181

Covid-19 patients occupying nearly half of hospital beds nationwide

Covid-19 patients have taken up 19,386 out of 40,524 available hospital beds nationwide, or 47.8 per cent, Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman of the governments Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration said on Saturday.

“This data came from the Department of Medical Services as of midnight April 22,” he said. “Keep in mind that the occupancy rate may fluctuate on daily basis depending on the hospitals’ bed arrangement.”

According to the department’s data, the hospital beds are classified into six categories based on types of room, as follows:

– AIIR or Airborne Infection Isolation Room: 409 out of 704 beds were occupied, or 58.1 per cent

– Modified AIIR rooms: 1,009 out of 1,688 beds were occupied, or 59.8 per cent

– Isolated rooms: 5,857 out of 9,206 beds were occupied, or 63.6 per cent

– Cohort ward: 8,894 out of 22,435 beds were occupied, or 39.6 per cent

– Cohort ICU: 3,129 out of 6,333 beds were occupied, or 49.4 per cent

– Hospitel (hotels serving as hospitals): 88 out of 158 beds were occupied, or 55.7 per cent

“In Bangkok and surrounding areas, 11,075 beds were used by Covid-19 patients of the total 16,422 hospital beds available, or 67.4 per cent,” he added.

“Judging from current occupancy rate of ICU rooms, hospitals in metropolitan areas will be able to accept new ICU patients for another 10 days, while hospitals elsewhere will have capacity for 20 days.”

Published : April 24, 2021

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000180

418 Covid-19 patients suffer from severe symptoms, over 100 on respirators

The Ministry of Public Health reported on Saturday that of the 22,327 Covid-19 patients hospitalised, 418 had severe symptoms, while 113 patients were on respirators.

“Bangkok has reported the highest number of severe patients at 45, followed by nine in Samut Prakan, eight in Chonburi and six in Nonthaburi,” said the department.

On Friday, Bangkok reported 740 new cases in the province, driving cumulative cases up to 5,515, the highest in Thailand.

The department reported 2,839 new infections on Saturday, the highest for a 24- hour period in the country since the outbreak last year.

“Of these, 2,523 were from testing of suspected patients, 304 were from active search, and 12 were those coming from foreign countries,” said the department.

“Cumulative cases in the country have risen to 53,022 patients, while 129 people have died, eight in the past 24 hours.”

Published : April 24, 2021

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40000178

Which provinces will fine you THB20,000 for not wearing a face mask?

In response to the third wave of Covid-19 in Thailand, some provinces have ordered people to wear face masks in public. The penalty for violating this order is a fine of up to THB20,000, according to the Communicable Disease Act.

The list of provinces that have issued the mask-wearing order includes Kanchanaburi, Prachinburi, Phetchaburi, Suphanburi, Ayutthaya, Samut Sakhon, Lopburi, Samut Prakan, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chonburi, Saraburi, Trat, Nonthaburi, Suratthani, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat Narathiwat, Pattani, Phang-nga, Phuket, Ranong, Satun, Songkhla, Yala, Sukhothai, Tak, Phetchabun, Uttaradit, Lamphun, Yasothon Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchathani, Chaiyaphum, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Sisaket, Surin, Udon Thani, Loei, Amnat Charoen, Buriram and Nakhon Phanom

Published : April 24, 2021

By : The Nation