söndag 18 april 2021

Thai Civil Aviation Authority limits domestic flights overnight to “control spread of Covid-19” in Thailand - Pattaya News


 Thai Civil Aviation Authority limits domestic flights overnight to "control spread of Covid-19" in Thailand

Thailand-

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, also known as EXAT, issued several new guidelines for domestic flights in Thailand effective as of today, April 18th, 2021.

The announcement was made by Mr. Suthipong Kongpool, Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.

The major change is that airlines are asked to "limit" flights between 11:00 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. for several reasons, the prime one being that currently in so-called red zones, which are the areas in Thailand that are under the highest Covid-19 controls, most businesses are closed between 11:00 P.M. and 4:00 A.M. and authorities are trying to limit the number of people out and about. It's important to note there is no curfew, but the order in red zones closes even 7-11's overnight.

Other changes include:

-Better notification and care for passengers if flights are canceled or changed, especially regarding the new "prohibition" of overnight flights.

-Consider an arrangement of seating to encourage social distancing on flights.

-Ensure operators are strictly following all Covid-19 related measures and social distancing measures, including newer ones that prohibit eating and drinking on board or having in-flight complimentary reading material.

-Flight operators must have a plan to immediately inform all passengers if a customer was found to have Covid-19 and take proper precautions around this.

This order is effective immediately and has no end date currently, only stated as being until further notice.

According to a leaked infographic of new #COVID19 cases, the number of new infections today is a record 1,767 with two new deaths. Richard Barrow



What does 95% COVID-19 vaccine efficacy really mean? The Lancet


 

What does 95% Published:February 17, 2021DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(21)00075-X

Simple mathematics helps. If we vaccinated a population of 100 000 and protected 95% of them, that would leave 5000 individuals diseased over 3 months, which is almost the current overall COVID-19 case rate in the UK. Rather, a 95% vaccine efficacy means that instead of 1000 COVID-19 cases in a population of 100 000 without vaccine (from the placebo arm of the abovementioned trials, approximately 1% would be ill with COVID-19 and 99% would not) we would expect 50 cases (99·95% of the population is disease-free, at least for 3 months).
Accurate description of effects is not hair-splitting; it is much-needed exactness to avoid adding confusion to an extraordinarily complicated and tense scientific and societal debate around COVID-19 vaccines.
I declare no competing interests.

References

  1. 1.
    • Polack FP 
    • Thomas SJ 
    • Kitchin N 
    • et al.
    Safety and efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA covid-19 vaccine.
    N Engl J Med. 2020; 3832603-2615
  2. 2.
    • Pfizer
    Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162, PF-07302048). Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee briefing document.
    https://www.fda.gov/media/144246/download
    Date accessed: January 29, 2021
  3. 3.
    • US FDA
    Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee meeting.
    https://www.fda.gov/media/144434/download
    Date: December 17, 2020
    Date accessed: January 29, 2021
  4. 4.
    • The Lancet Infectious Diseases
    An exceptional vaccination policy in exceptional circumstances.
    Lancet Infect Dis. 2021; 21149



Thailand’s vaccine shopping list as COVID surges - PBS World



As the number of new COVID-19 cases surges this month, the government is rushing to find more vaccines for Thais. On Friday (April 16), Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha took it upon himself to list the various vaccine brands Thailand is currently trying to procure.

Prayut declared the government had already made a move for Russia's Sputnik V, China's Convidecia and Sinopharm's vaccines, India's Covaxin, and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Now, Thailand must wait to find out whether the manufacturers will agree to provide supplies amid the huge global demand for COVID vaccines.

However, Prayut hinted that the chances of procuring Sputnik V and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines are high thanks to Thailand's strong foreign relations.

Sputnik V 

Developed by Russia's state-run Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Sputnik V in August 2020 became the world's first COVID-19 vaccine registered for use. Today, this viral-vector vaccine has been authorised for use in over 60 states including Russia, India, Ghana and Hungary. Inoculation requires two doses and its price per dose is about US$9.75 (Bt305).

According to https://sputnikvaccine.com, Sputnik V is one of only three vaccines in the world with efficacy of over 90 per cent. A trial involving 19,866 volunteers – who received either both doses of Sputnik V or a placebo – found the vaccine's ability to prevent symptomatic COVID-19 stood at 91.6 per cent.

However, its efficacy is still being questioned because Russia has not yet made crucial primary data available to independent drug-testing authorities.

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine 

The COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech is the first to be approved for emergency use by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Evidence from clinical trials shows it is 95 per cent effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. Inoculation requires two shots. Its price per dose is about $20 (Bt627).

Utilising relatively new mRNA technology, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is recommended for people aged 16 years and older but doses must be stored at minus 70 degrees Celsius.

Thailand's sluggish vaccine rollout no match for super-contagious COVID strain

Thailand is ramping up its COVID-19 vaccination drive following an unprecedented surge in infections since April 5, with Thursday (April 15) bringing a record 24-hour high of 1,535 new cases. Official records show that only 247,850 people in Thailand had received their first jab as of April 5 – but that number more than doubled to 581,311 by April 15.

Convidecia 

Developed by China's CanSino Biologics, this vector vaccine has already been authorised for use in China, Mexico, Pakistan, Hungary and Chile.

In February 2021, data released from Phase III trials with 30,000 participants showed the vaccine was 90.98 per cent effective against severe COVID-19 and 65.7 per cent effective against moderate cases. Better still, it requires just a single dose costing about $27.15 (Bt850).

Sinopharm vaccine 

Commonly known as Sinopharm, Chinese state-owned enterprise China National Biotec Group (CNBG) is developing two inactivated-virus COVID-19 vaccines. However, given Thailand's urgent need for a vaccine, Prayut must have been referring to BBIBP-CorV.

Widely dubbed the Sinopharm vaccine, BBIBP-CorV is 79.3 per cent effective in preventing people from developing symptoms. It has already been approved for use in several countries including China, Pakistan, the Philippines, Hungary, and the United Arab Emirates. Inoculation requires two doses, each costing about $36 (Bt1,130).

Covaxin 

Manufactured by Bharat Biotech, Covaxin is India's first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine. This inactivated-virus jab demonstrated 81-per-cent interim efficacy in preventing COVID-19 after the second dose. Each dose costs just a few dollars.

Importantly, analysis by India's National Institute of Virology indicates that Covaxin-induced antibodies can neutralise the UK variant strains and other variants. Thailand's latest surge in infections is being driven by the super-contagious UK strain.

Covaxin will likely be shipped through government-to-government deals to Mongolia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Bahrain, Oman, Maldives and Mauritius soon.

View of a vial of India's COVAXIN vaccine against COVID-19 at the public hospital in Villa Elisa, Paraguay, on April 14, 2021. (Photo by NORBERTO DUARTE / AFP)

What's next? 

Prayut explained that all vaccines used in Thailand would have to be registered with the Food and Drug Administration. At present, only three brands are registered with the Thai FDA – AstraZeneca, Sinovac, and Johnson and Johnson.

By Thai PBS World's General Desk 


Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has a true dilemma on his hands: push back the deadline for reopening Phuket to vaccinated international tourists to arrive on the island from July 1, or let it stand despite the current climate of fear over the latest COVID-19 outbreak. Phuket News

Phuket Opinion: The July 1 dilemma
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (left) explains the 'Phuket Sandbox' plan at an event in Bangkok on April 1. Photo: MoTs

PHUKET: Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has a true dilemma on his hands: push back the deadline for reopening Phuket to vaccinated international tourists to arrive on the island from July 1, or let it stand despite the current climate of fear over the latest COVID-19 outbreak.

The report just yesterday explaining that providing the required number of vaccine doses for Phuket to achieve herd immunity by July 1 is they key issue raises far too many questions – and will only give credence to those who have openly criticised the government for its late start in vaccinating its people.

After bungling the call to remove online comments by Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit about the national handling of the mass-vaccination campaign, this is one scenario the current government would need to avoid.

Further, reallocating the vaccine doses already repeatedly declared as dedicated to Phuket to make the July 1 deadline possible would require backtracking on a promise to the people of Phuket, whose household incomes have been devastated by the loss of tourism.

It would also delay further restarting the economy of the one province in Thailand that previously made more money from tourism than any other province in the country outside of Bangkok. The government may be speaking loudly that the economy is "fine" and the government is not in running into debt yet, but that clock is ticking.

The big question is, if vaccinated tourists do start coming after July 1, what would be the likely consequences?

The mass-vaccination efforts in Phuket were, obviously, to protect the people of Phuket from being infected by international arrivals. The tourists will not be at risk, they'll be vaccinated. Any tourists not vaccinated still coming – or travelling anywhere right now – will have already made their choice.

Art-Tec Design

The trick now is to ask, protect the people of Phuket from what, exactly? It can't be the B.1.1.7. variant originally from the UK, that one is already here. That strain is the variant amid the current surge in infections – and by July 1the people of Phuket would either be vaccinated against it, or already exposed to it.

Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, as much loved and respected he is by the expat community, believes the current outbreak will be pretty much over within a month.

Following the previous outbreak experiences in other countries that would be true, except those countries instituted lockdowns to help slow the spread of the virus during secondary waves. Thailand has not, only adding to the probability that those not yet vaccinated one way or another will be exposed to the UK strain by the time July 1 arrives.

If vaccinated international tourists do start arriving from July 1, that will leave Phuket exposed to the other strains that tourists will bring, such as the South African, Brazilian and now Indian variants. This was always the case, and why mandatory tests on landing were always among the requirements for vaccinated tourists to be allowed into the country. Any red flags means mandatory quarantine.

What has been overlooked, intentionally or otherwise, is the role private entities can play in helping Phuket achieve herd immunity before July 1. For some reason that option keeps falling off the table when discussions are being held about what to do to vaccinate the people of Phuket, and all the tourism workers who will be on the frontline when arrivals are allowed.

Re-opening the island to international tourists by July 1 was always a push – doable, but a push. The #PhuketFirstOctober campaign was always an achievable reality. Regardless, there is very little reason not to keep aiming for the July 1 deadline for now – unless there is something about the availability of vaccine doses the people are not being told about.




120 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 found in Chonburi today, most in Pattaya area - Pattaya News



Chonburi, Thailand-

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 120 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 this morning in the popular province that includes Pattaya.

The districts that cases were found in are as follows: Mueang Chonburi 20, Si Racha 11, Banglamung (Pattaya area) 73, Phanat Nikhom 3, Sattahip 8, Pan Thong 2, and 3 cases from other provinces brought for treatment.

The details for cases located in the past 24 hours are as follows:

  1. 1.1 808 Club Pattaya 7 people
    1.2 Crystral Cub 1 person
    1.3 Friend Zone, Rayong 1 person
    1.4 Infinity 1 person
    1.5 Insomnia 1 people
    1.6 Queen club 3 people
    1.7 The Box 69 1 person
    1.8 Version Pub 2 people
  2. Infected with COVID-19 from traveling to Phuket, 1 person
  3. 2 employees of other entertainment venues in Pattaya
  4. 40 people in close contact and family members of prior cases infected with COVID-19
  5. In the process of investigation, 58 cases.

Today, a total of 603 close contacts were searched, and 129 more proactive ones were searched for Covid-19. All are waiting for their test results and currently in isolation.

Authorities are asking for residents to work from home if possible, avoid crowded places, wear masks at all times outside, practice social distancing, limit their contacts with people outside of their household, and follow other Covid-19 precautions.

Today starts the first day of stricter precautions and restrictions for the Chonburi area. You can read more about these restrictions here.

The number of daily new infections is expected to decline from about 1,000 cases to about 80 within one month if all preventive measures are followed by the public, according to Rungruang Kitpati, spokesman for the Ministry of Public Health. Bangkok Post




New preventive curbs to help lower daily infection numbers

The number of daily new infections is expected to decline from about 1,000 cases to about 80 within one month if all preventive measures are followed by the public, according to Rungruang Kitpati, spokesman for the Ministry of Public Health.

Thailand has recorded 40,585 cases of Covid-19 and 99 fatalities since the beginning of the pandemic last year.

The kingdom recently began recording an average of about 1,000 new daily Covid-19 cases. There have been 11,587 cases since April 1.

Dr Rungruang told a press briefing yesterday that the ministry expects the number of daily cases to fall after the government implemented new measures targeting entertainment venues, mass gatherings in risky areas and the sale of alcohol in restaurants nationwide.

The new measures have been active since April 10.

"If we have positive cooperation, we will see the number of new cases dropping from 1,000 per day to only 40–80 per day within one month," Dr Rungruang said.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has also implemented measures to shorten the opening hours of restaurants and convenience stores, among others, to discourage people from moving and control potential sources of the disease, he said.

These measures would help sharply cut the number of new daily cases, Dr Rungruang added.

He said the measures, which have been implemented since April 10, have shown an encouraging outcome.

Yesterday, the kingdom reported 1,547 new Covid-19 cases, a slight dip when compared with 1,582 on Friday.

Bangkok had the highest number of infections with 279 cases, resulting in the capital tallying a total of 2,976 cases since the recent outbreak that began early this month.

Dr Rungruang said yesterday's numbers represent a positive indication.

He said cases exceeded 100 only in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chon Buri, compared with five provinces the day before.

The provinces which reported the most cases on Friday were: Bangkok (279), Chiang Mai (140), Chon Buri (99), Prachuap Khiri Khan (58), Lamphun (45), Samut Sakhon (37), Udon Thani (30), Samut Prakan (27), Pathum Thani (26) and Phitsanulok (25).

The CCSA on Friday strengthened Covid-19 control measures with a special focus on 18 "highest risk" provinces -- but decided against drastic measures like lockdowns and curfews.

All shops, including 24-hour convenience stores, will have to close between 11pm and 4am every day for two weeks.

All classes and exams are suspended, gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, entertainment venues, pubs, bars, karaoke venues, soapy massage parlours and the like are closed for 14 days. The current wave of the Covid-19 is linked to entertainment venues. Meanwhile, the government is blaming the variant from England for the recent outbreak.


lördag 17 april 2021

The Department of Disease Control has stressed that the kingdom will carry out the national Covid-19 inoculation drive in June as planned, starting with six million locally-produced AstraZeneca vaccines. Bangkok Post

Kingdom 'on track' for June inoculation initiative

The Department of Disease Control has stressed that the kingdom will carry out the national Covid-19 inoculation drive in June as planned, starting with six million locally-produced AstraZeneca vaccines.

AstraZeneca has partnered with Siam Bioscience to manufacture a total of 61 million jabs by the end of this year. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha previously assured the nation that production of the doses is going as planned.

Chawetsan Namwat, director of Division of Disease Control Emergency Situation, said the Health Ministry will not delay the distribution of vaccines to the public.

He said 586,032 AstraZeneca and Sinovac doses have been distributed, and the figure will rise when more vaccines are given to the public en masse.

"We will see more and more people getting the vaccine from June after AstraZeneca sends its vaccines to the department," Dr Chawetsan told the media. "Things are going well with the plan."

From Feb 28 to Thursday, 586,032 doses of AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines were distributed to all 77 provinces, he said.

A total of 510,456 people received their first shot while 75,576 received their second, Dr Chawetsan said.

According to the department, 40.4% of the shots were given to medical staff, 40.3% to people living in high risk areas, 4.4% to people living with non-communicable diseases, 5.1% to people over 60 years old and 9.6% to officials.

Regarding the production of the AstraZeneca vaccines, the company will ship 10 million doses per month from July to November while December will see the last five million jabs.

In other news, Covid-19 screenings will start today at the Bangkok Youth Centre (Thai-Japan) for Social Security Fund members who have registered online.

17/4



155 cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi were announced this morning stated Chonburi Public Health officials on their social media accounts. Pattaya News

Chonburi announces 155 cases of Covid-19 in the province this morning, most in Banglamung

Chonburi, Thailand-

155 cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi were announced this morning stated Chonburi Public Health officials on their social media accounts.

This is a new record number of cases for the Chonburi area with most cases being found in Banglamung, the Pattaya area.

The district list is as follows: Mueang Chonburi 32, Si Racha 7, 83 in Banglamung (Pattaya area), 7 in Phanat Nikhom, 10 in Sattahip, 3 in Ban Bueng, 8 in Pan Thong, 1 in Bor Thong, and 4 from outside of Chonburi brought to the province for treatment.

The details released are as follows. Some details are very vague this is all that was released notes The Pattaya News:

Two more cases of COVID-19 from the Flintstone Pub in the Don Hualor sub-district (146 cases since April 6th, 2021).

  1. People infected with COVID-19 From other entertainment venues, details are as follows. 
    2.1 168 Pattaya pub 2 cases
    2.2 BUS 1 North Pattaya Pub 1 person
    2.3 Queen Club 4 people
    2.4 The Garden 168 1 person
    2.5 version 1 pub 1 person
    2.6 Night bar, 1 person
    2.7 808 Pattaya 12 people
    2.8 1 person from the Catch Me Pub
    2.9 2 people from the Queen pub
    2.10 Unnamed Pub on Soi LK, Central Pattaya 1 person
    2.11 Fantasy Lounge: 1 case
    2.12 Cat me shop, 2 people
    2.13 Four Step Shop, 1 person
    2.14 ICE BAR 1 person
    2.15 The Box 1 person
    2.16 Pho restaurant, 1 case
    2.17 Mountain Bar, Sattahip 3 cases
    2.18 Rose Shops, KTV, Karaoke 2 cases
    2.19 Lucifer, Walking Street, Pattaya 1 person
    2.20 Sky Mountain restaurant Bali Hai 1 person
  2. Other entertainment venues in Pattaya, 1 case
  3. 1 person from a massage shop in Pattaya
  4. From an entertainment place in Bangkok, 1 case
  5. 27 people who are close contacts and family members infected with COVID-19
  6. In the process of investigation, a total number of 83 cases.

Last evening, a total of 574 close to medium contacts were searched, and 472 more proactive searches were checked and all are pending results.

8 people have been released and recovered.

Chonburi officials stated they encourage people to work from home, wear masks at all times outside, avoid crowded places, and follow other Covid-19 precautions. Stricter restrictions nationwide take effect tomorrow, April 18th, which include earlier closing times for restaurants and convenience stores, closure of amusement parks, continued closure of entertainment venues, and more. Chonburi may also release additional measures as early as today.

Chonburi province releases provincial orders, lots of additional Covid-19 closures and restrictions implemented starting April 18th, 2021 - The Pattaya News

Chonburi province releases provincial orders, lots of additional Covid-19 closures and restrictions implemented starting April 18th, 2021

Chonburi, Thailand-

The Chonburi province released their provincial Covid-19 related orders this morning, April 17th, 2021, which take effect tomorrow, April 18th, 2021.

All national orders are in the order which was announced yesterday, you can review those orders here. We are not going to re-list all of these measures (like the closure of entertainment venues) but rather focus on Chonburi-specific provincial orders below. The following items are for Chonburi and not a national level. They are in effect until further notice and/or when the situation with Covid-19 improves, effective from TOMORROW, April 18th, 2021.

They have asked that people do not use the word "lockdown" to describe the restrictions, stating there is no lockdown or curfew and people are free to move about.

If you have any questions on if your venue can open, please contact City Hall at 1337.

-Closure of snooker, pool, skate parks, skating areas, bowling alleys, similar leisure activities

-Internet cafes are closed, as well as internet gaming cafes

-Arcades, play areas (adds to playgrounds, amusement parks from national orders)

-Pools (says indoor and outdoor, they removed the word public, likely to avoid the regular conflict in prior lockdowns with condo owners), waterparks, amusement parks, stand-alone video game machines, kids areas in markets and malls.

-Banquet halls, conference rooms, celebration rooms, anywhere people gather

-Closure of nursery, daycares, elderly overnight care

-Schools are closed (They are out of session anyways, but all summer schools, other activities are shut unless specific permission by government authorities is given)'

-Events with over 50 people are banned unless government permission is granted, people are discouraged from holding any events in general.

-Amulet shops are closed

-Spas, massage shops (including traditional), massage parlors, beauty clinics, saunas, similar venues

-Tattoo and piercing shops

-Gyms and fitness centers can OPEN but must close by 9:00 P.M., No group activities, classes, etc.(National order)

-Supermarkets, Convenience stores, night markets, restaurants for take-away, etc closed from 11:00 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. (There is NO curfew, however, they are essentially closing everything overnight to limit movement. This is a national level restriction for red zones)

-Restaurants open until 9:00 P.M. for dine-in, No alcohol sales allowed for dine-in. There is no ban on takeaway alcohol or purchased from other stores to consume at home. Closed by 11:00 P.M. for take-away. National level red zone restriction.

-Malls can open until 9:00 P.M. unless the store is named elsewhere in the national or provincial orders as having to close.

-Cinemas, theaters, shows, cabarets, etc closed.

-Beaches, parks, reservoirs, are only for exercising. Gathering, eating, drinking in these areas is "requested" not to happen. (Swimming is NOT prohibited. It is unclear if this means beach chair vendors will have to close as this is a "request" versus an order)

-There are no restrictions/quarantines on entering or leaving the province, however, people are "requested" not to travel out of the province and to stay home.

This is a developing document/story, more may be added/changed to this without notice. Please keep in mind we are just translating and reporting this information, if you have a complaint or want to clarify an order/restriction please contact City Hall at 1337 versus sending us a mail, we do not create or enforce the rules, thank you. If it wasn't mentioned in the list, it is likely allowed to stay open.





When is a curfew not a curfew? Business chief slams latest COVID-19 measures. He urged the government to reassess the situation every 3 days and not wait the standard 14 before coming up with something new. And he reiterated what countless others are saying - the only way out of the mess is to ensure that 70% of the Thai population are vaccinated by the end of the third quarter - the end of September. Thai Visa


4pm.jpg

Picture: Daily News

 

Thailand's government has been blustering for days that they will not announce a nationwide lockdown and curfew.

 

But Daily News reported that it's immaterial. The people are in lockdown and there is nothing for them to do at night anyway.

 

They based their assessment - patently obvious to anyone who lives in Thailand - on comments from the chief of the Federation of Thai Industries, Suphan Mongkhonsuthee.

 

He said yesterday that the government don't need to issue a lockdown or curfew order. The people are locked down and under curfew already.

 

People are scared to go out far more than in other waves of the virus and with bars shut, and malls and restaurants closing early there is nothing for them to do at night anyway.

 

He urged the government to reassess the situation every 3 days and not wait the standard 14 before coming up with something new. 

 

And he reiterated what countless others are saying - the only way out of the mess is to ensure that 70% of the Thai population are vaccinated by the end of the third quarter - the end of September. 

 

People have already been advised to delay returning from Songkran trips and work from home. 

 

Meanwhile the vaccine rollout has been criticized as very slow - less than 1% of the population so far - with repeated announcements that it will only get going at pace in June. 

 

Whatever the government says it is hard to get away from one inescapable conclusion, notes Thaivisa:

 

Thailand is in a state of lockdown and under curfew at night in all but name. 

 

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