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Active search in Samut Sakhon finds more than 900 Covid-19 cases

NationalJan 26. 2021

By The Nation

A Samut Sakhon Health official on Monday reported a sharp spike in new Covid-19 cases with more than 900 people in the province testing positive. Meanwhile, Bangkok has the second-most number of cases, but the number of red zones marking high risk is down to three districts.

The Samut Sakhon Provincial Public Health Office said at 5pm on Monday that 914 new cases were found. Seventy cases — 35 Thais and 35 foreigners — were found from hospital examination. Proactive screening of 844 Thais and 84 foreigners found 760 cases.

The record-high numbers came after aggressive search in large industrial plants with more than 1,000 employees. Results of 5,217 laboratory tests were released on Monday.

The number of people infected with Covid-19 in Samut Sakhon since the new outbreak is 6,555, 5,178 found from proactive screening — 484 Thais and 4,694 foreigners. Of the cases, 3,535 cases have recovered and returned home — 1,093 Thais and 2,442 foreigners, with two deaths.

A total of 3,018 infected people were in treatment, 467 patients — 232 Thais and 235 foreigners — were in hospitals. Meanwhile, 2,551 foreigners were in quarantine facilities.

Officials conducted 5,574 additional proactive searches in the community on Monday, with an additional 5,217 laboratory test results revealed. The number of proactive searches since Covid-19 was found in the central shrimp market on December 17, 2020, totals 70,468; 5,178 cases are positive — 484 Thais and 4,694 foreigners.

Bangkok saw the most infection from three districts.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported Covid-19 cases in each district of Bangkok and found three districts with the highest accumulated infections were Bang Khun Thian district, 148, Chom Thong, 35, and Bang Phlat, 32. At the same time, Saphan Sung and Samphanthawong were still clear of any infection.

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Samut Sakhon eyes reopening main shrimp market despite spike in new cases

NationalJan 26. 2021

By THE NATION

Samut Sakhon is considering reopening its main shrimp market in Muang district despite a spike in new Covid-19 cases in the province on Monday.

The market had been ordered shut since December 20 after more than 500 confirmed cases were tracked back to it.

“After over a month of shutdown, the province has tested some 1,217 merchants and people residing nearby,” deputy governor Theerapat Katchamat said. “In the latest round, 113 tested positive and were immediately separated and moved to the field hospital for treatment, which means the market and its surrounding areas should now be virus free.”

Provincial authorities hope to reopen the market by Wednesday after a major clean-up operation on Monday in a bid to revive the province’s economy, which is mostly reliant on the seafood industry.

“The market will not open until we are sure all preventive measures are in place and merchants and visitors can strictly adhere to them, including social-distancing. The selling areas have also been modified to reduce crowds,” Theerapat said.

“As for fears that the 1,104 people who tested negative could be asymptomatic, it is highly unlikely as they have been quarantined for over a month, which is beyond the virus’ incubation period.”

The deputy governor also put the spike in new cases on Monday down to aggressive testing of as many as 10,000 individuals daily, especially in large factories. Monday saw 914 confirmed cases.

“Most of the infected are migrant workers in factories, and we have prepared facilities to quarantine them near their workplaces to limit the chance of the virus spreading to other communities,” said Theerapat.

With the 914 cases on Monday, the total number of new cases in Samut Sakhon has soared to 6,555, 1,218 of whom have been treated and discharged, while two have succumbed to the infection.

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Thailand sees biggest jump in Covid-19 cases as global numbers hit 100m

NationalJan 26. 2021

By The Nation

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Tuesday reported 959 new cases, the highest number on a single day since the outbreak last year, including 22 people who had travelled from abroad.

Of the new cases, 89 were exposed to the virus while visiting high-risk areas. The province with the highest number of infections is Samut Sakhon (70), followed by Bangkok (17), Samut Songkham (1), and Ubon Ratchathani (1).

Proactive testing led to the discovery of 848 cases — 760 foreigners and 84 Thais — in Samut Sakhon, and four Thais in Bangkok.

Also read: Active search in Samut Sakhon finds more than 900 Covid-19 cases

Of the returnees, 13 are Thai nationals, returning from the United Kingdom (5), United States (3), Myanmar (3) and Denmark(1). Also testing positive were two Indians, two Sudanese, a Chinese, an Indonesian, a Pakistani, a Briton, a Russian and a Nepali who flew in from their respective nations.

Meanwhile, 119 patients have recovered and been discharged.

As of Tuesday, the number of confirmed cases in Thailand had risen to 14,646. Of these, 12,250 contracted the virus domestically, including 5,532 who were found via proactive testing, and 2,396 are returnees. So far, 10,892 have recovered and been discharged, 3,679 patients are still in hospital and the death toll is 75.

According to Worldometer, as of 10am on Tuesday, the number of confirmed cases globally has hit 100 million (increasing by 449,073), 72.29 million have recovered, 25.84 million are active cases (110,250 in severe condition) and 2.15 million have died (up by 9,597).

Thailand ranks 123rd on the global list of most cases. The US tops the list with 25.86 million, followed by India 10.68 million, Brazil 8.87 million, Russia 3.73 million and the United Kingdom 3.67 million.

Taweesin Visanuyothin, the CCSA spokesperson, revealed that the number of cases in the second wave since December 16 had reached 10,409, after 10 months under the emergency decree.

In the second outbreak, patients had an average age of 34. The age range with most cases is around 20-29 years old (58 per cent) followed by 30-39 years old (29 per cent). Women tended to get infected more often than men with a ratio of 1.36 female patients to 1 male.

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Air quality unsafe in 18 provinces

NationalJan 26. 2021

By The Nation

Air pollution in 18 provinces hit unsafe levels on Tuesday morning, according to the Pollution Control Department’s Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation.

The 18 provinces are: Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phrae, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Tak, Phetchabun, Saraburi, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Chaiyaphum, Ubon Ratchathani and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Readings for particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter (PM2.5) in different regions:

North: 35 to 85 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3).

Northeast: 40 to 99μg/m3.

Central and West:13 to 59μg/m3.

East: 14 to 40μg/m3.

South: 5 to 20μg/m3.

However, the air quality in Bangkok and its vicinity is termed moderate to very good with PM2.5 readings at 15 to 43μg/m3.

People in areas where PM2.5 pollution is bad have been advised to monitor their health and reduce time spent on outdoor activities, especially the elderly, children, and patients with respiratory diseases.

The PM2.5 situation in Thailand can be followed via Air4Thai.com and bangkokairquality.com websites, or Air4Thai and AirBKK smartphone applications.

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Nonthaburi relaxes lockdown measures for six businesses

NationalJan 26. 2021

By THE NATION

Nonthaburi Governor Sujin Chaichumsak on Monday signed an order allowing six businesses to reopen after they had been previously ordered to shut in a bid to control the Covid-19 outbreak.

The businesses are:

1. Driving schools, vocational schools, sport schools

2. Boxing training gyms (excluding boxing ring)

3. Game centres

4. Internet cafés

5. Amulet centres

6. Nursery home for elders

Businesses that are allowed to open must strictly follow disease prevention measures announced by the Ministry of Public Health.

Several businesses in the province, including schools and universities, boxing and cockfight rings, theatres, massage palours, swimming pools and karaoke joints, were ordered to close since January 5 after a new wave of Covid-19 outbreak was reported in Thailand.

Also read: Phuket lifts quarantine measures for visitors from 21 provinces

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Baht toes the dollar line amid uncertainties over Covid-19, US stimulus

NationalJan 26. 2021

By THE NATION

The baht opened at 29.99 to the US dollar on Tuesday, unchanged from Monday’s close.

The Thai currency is likely to move between 29.90 and 30.10, Krungthai market strategist Poon Panichpibool said.

On Monday, investors’ concerns on the Covid-19 crisis across the world and lack of certainty of the US stimulus package caused the market to reduce its “reflation trades” status and focus on assets less affected by the virus crisis, as well as safe-haven ones.

This triggered fluctuation in the financial markets.

In the US, the Russell 2000 index fell by 0.3 per cent, while the Nasdaq increased by 0.7 per cent.

Meanwhile, the EU market was in a risk-off state, pressuring the Stoxx 50 to drop by 1.4 per cent.

Also, the German ifo Business Climate Index was worse than observers expected, Poon added.

The US Ten-Year Treasury dropped by over 5.6 basis points to 1.03 per cent. The dollar index rose by 0.14 per cent to 90.37 points, while the euro weakened by 0.3 per cent to 1.214 per dollar.

Poon said that the market today is monitoring results that would be announced by SET-listed companies. Moreover, the IMF World Economic Outlook was another interesting issue for the market.

He added that the dollar could move sideways in the short time, in case negative factors – intensified Covid-19 situation, poor results of listed companies, or delay in the US government’s assistance – happen.

In Thailand, the baht still moved in line with the dollar and foreign funds flow. Poon warned investors to beware of the purchasing power of the dollar at the end of this month.

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Senators approve amendments to abortion law

NationalJan 26. 2021

By THE NATION

The Senate spent eight hours on Monday debating amendments to the Criminal Code sections 301 and 305, which would make it possible for women to terminate their pregnancy of up to 12 weeks, before approving the first, second and third readings.

The draft was approved by majority votes of 165 votes in favour and 7 votes against, while 21 abstained from voting and one did not cast a vote.

The amended law reads as follows:

Section 301: A woman who aborts a foetus that is older than 12 weeks shall be liable to no more than six months in prison and/or a fine of Bt10,000.

The penalty for this originally was up to three years in prison and/or a fine of Bt60,000.

Section 305: The offender is not guilty if:

– The pregnancy puts the mother at risk physically or psychologically.

– The baby faces a significant risk of developing physical or mental disorder or disability.

– The woman has been impregnated due to rape.

– The mother-to-be is convinced there is no other option.

– The abortion of foetus that is older than 12 weeks but not exceeding 20 weeks is approved by a doctor or other health professionals as approved by the Ministry of Public Health.

The amendments are expected to go into effect on February 12.

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Navy chief orders probe into alleged suspicious role of personnel in drug trafficking

NationalJan 26. 2021

By THE NATION

Admiral Chatchai Sriworakhan, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, has set up an investigation committee to look into the alleged involvement of 16 Navy officials in drug trafficking in Nong Khai province, Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Chettha Jaipiam said on Monday.

The chairman of the Crime Victims Assistance Club, Atchariya Ruangrat-tanapong, had lodged a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Division Police earlier on Monday that Navy officials may be involved in a drug trafficking operation that took place earlier this month.

According to Atchariya, on the night of January 10 officials from the Department of Provincial Administration in Nong Khai seized 2 million amphetamine tablets and 116kg of methamphetamine from a drug trafficker who uses Mekong River as transport route, but the suspect reportedly fled the scene.

“About 20 minutes after the drug seizure, two men who claimed that they were officials from Navy’s Mekong Patrol Operation Command took the drugs from Nong Khai officials, saying that they would secure the evidence and later hold a press conference on the drug seizure,” said Atchariya. “However, the press event was later cancelled.”

According to Atchariya’s complaint, 14 other Navy officials were believed to have taken part in the operation.

Chettha added that the Navy would investigate this matter straightforwardly and would enforce disciplinary and legal actions against the offenders if they were found guilty. “This case is a fireable offence and there will be no protection for the culprits by the Navy,” he said.

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Isolated rain forecast for Bangkok, cool weather continues in upper Thailand

NationalJan 26. 2021

By THE NATION

The Thailand Meteorological Department said on Tuesday that a weak high-pressure system covers the upper North, upper Northeast and the South China Sea.

Cool to cold weather with morning fog and thick fog in some areas are forecast for upper Thailand, while mountaintops are still cold to very cold.

All vehicles should move with caution due to poor visibility, the department said.

Isolated rain is forecast for the lower Central region, including Bangkok and its vicinity, as well as the East.

In addition, the weak northeast monsoon prevails over the Gulf and the South, resulting in isolated rain in the areas.

The weather forecast for the next 24 hours:

North: Cool to cold weather with fog in the morning and thick fog in some areas; temperature lows of 12-18 degrees Celsius and highs of 31-35°C; temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 4-13°C.

Northeast: Cool weather with fog in the morning and thick fog in some areas; temperature lows of 16-21°C and highs of 32-35°C; temperature on hilltops is likely to drop to 8-15°C.

Central: Cool weather with fog in the morning and thick fog in some areas as well as isolated rain in the lower part; temperature lows of 21-23°C, highs of 34-35°C.

East: Fog in the morning and isolated rain in 10 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-24°C, highs of 32-35°C; waves less than a metre high and one metre offshore.

South (east coast): Cool weather with thundershowers in 20 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 22-25°C, highs of 30-33°C; waves a metre high and two metres during thundershowers.

South (west coast): Partly cloudy with thundershowers in 20 per cent of the areas; temperature lows of 23-25°C, highs of 32-35°C; waves a metre high and 1-2 metres offshore.

Bangkok and surrounding areas: Fog in the morning and light rain in some areas; temperature lows of 23-25°C, highs of 33-35°C.

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Anutin calls on hospitals to get ready for first batch of Covid-19 vaccines

NationalJan 25. 2021Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul

By The Nation

Thailand’s public health system is getting ready to inoculate people once the first batch of 50,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines arrives early next month, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said.

Anutin reportedly held a video conference with the ministry’s senior officials and chiefs of public and private hospitals on Monday to inform them about preparations for the first phase of vaccinations.

Dr Sophon Mekthon, chairman of a subcommittee managing Covid-19 inoculations, said private and public medical staff in the frontline will be the first to be vaccinated, especially in high-risk zones like Samut Sakhon, Bangkok, Tak’s Mae Sot district and deep South.

He said that once the first batch arrives, it will take two weeks to distribute and inoculations can begin in the third week.

Experts have been tasked with deciding whether all 50,000 doses will be used as first shots or if some will be kept behind to use as boosters.

Two doses of the vaccine inoculated within four to 12 weeks are required for effective immunisation.

Medical staff can volunteer for inoculations by registering on the “MorPromp” application by February 12.

The ministry is also seeking an appropriate channel for members of the public to register for the vaccine. Sophon said Anutin has insisted that Covid-19 immunisation should be delivered on a fair and transparent basis.

Separately, Sophon Iamsirithavorn, deputy director-general of the Department of Disease Control, said initially some 7,000 private and public medical staff working on the frontline will be inoculated followed by some 1,000 related staff working in high-risk areas.

He said also under consideration are some 100,000 people who may develop severe symptoms or even die if infected.

Sophon added that next week, 2.5 million syringes will be distributed to hospitals, adding that there is sufficient supply as syringes are locally produced.