A total of 2,542 pregnant women and 134 new-born babies were found infected with COVID-19 between April 1st this year and August 28th and, among these, 68 women and 24 newborn babies have died, said CCSA Spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin today (Monday). PBS World

2,542 pregnant women infected with COVID-19, 68 die in Thailand since April 1

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A total of 2,542 pregnant women and 134 new-born babies were found infected with COVID-19 between April 1^st this year and August 28^th and, among these, 68 women and 24 newborn babies have died, said CCSA Spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin today (Monday).

Dr. Taweesin reemphasized the need for pregnant women to be given priority for inoculation, along with people over 60 and those afflicted with any of the seven underlying diseases, as he sought public understanding over the need to vaccinate these people ahead of others.

The provinces with most infected pregnant are Bangkok (488), Samut Sakhon (449), Pathum Thani (101), Samut Prakan (93), Narathiwat (87), Songkhla (87), Tak (86), Ayutthaya (77), and Khon Kaen (63). 37,357 pregnant women have received their first vaccine doses, while 3,533 others have received two jabs, out of the target of 500,000 women.

Dr. Taweesin also listed five provinces with the highest weekly infection rate in August. They are:

• Samut Prakan – 8,156 cases from August 17^th – 23^rd; 10,546 cases from August 24^th – 30^th.
• Rayong – 2,108 cases from August 17^th – 23^rd; 2,826 cases from August 24^th – 30^th.
• Phuket – 633 cases from August 17^th – 23^rd; 1,165 cases from August 24^th – 30^th.
• Trat – 173 cases from August 17^th – 23^rd; 615 cases from Aug 24^th – 30^th.
• Kanchanaburi – 2,056 cases from Aug 17^th – 23^rd; 2,391 cases from Aug 24^th – 30^th.

Dr. Taweesin explained that the CCSA has not eased lockdown restrictions as such, from September 1^st, but has adjusted measures in line with the "Smart Control and Living with COVID-19" concept.

He said the Ministry of Public Health and relevant agencies have been instructed to formulate measures and plans for the procurement and distribution of medical equipment and vaccines for hospitals and other treatment facilities and to inform the public, the private sector and business operators about the "Universal Prevention" strategy and "COVID Free Setting" concept.

The CCSA reported 15,972 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, 17,281 more recoveries and 256 more fatalities.

Cumulative infections, since April 1^st this year, are 1,161,200 and cumulative infections since last year are 1,190,063. The death toll, since last year, is 11,399 and 11,305 since April 1^st this year.

176,137 people are still being treated in various facilities, including general and field hospitals, home and community isolation facilities.