Vaccine app seizes up on its first day A huge number of people on Saturday flocked to register for a Covid-19 jab via the "Mor Prom" platform on the first day of bookings, causing the system to crash briefly due to overwhelming demand. Bangkok Post



At press time around 300,000 had registered for a vaccine jab. Health authorities said targeted people still have time to register until the end of this month.

The Mor Prom (doctors ready) service was launched yesterday via an application and Line Account for the first group of vulnerable people: the eldery and those who have seven chronic diseases.

In the elderly group, or aged over 60, 11.7 million people are eligible for registration while those with chronic diseases make up about 4.3 million people.

The Public Health Ministry said about 70% of eligible people were likely to register for vaccination. The jabs will start on June 7.

Dr Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, adviser to the ministry, said yesterday staff had received positive feedback for the online Covid-19 vaccine reservation system despite the problems.

The system faced delays in the morning as some hospitals did not open time slots in time for reservations, especially in Bangkok where only 24 of 160 hospitals had opened their time slots for a booking.

Fortunately, after talking to them, by afternoon 134 hospitals had opened the slots.

Around one million eligible people were not able to register yesterday due to their names not appearing in the system, as a result of "missing" data from the hospitals. In that case, they could register again later.

He said jabs will be given in hospitals only in the first phase so medical staff could take care of these vulnerable groups.

There are 1,200 state-owned hospitals, together with many privately owned hospitals which can provide a free vaccine service.

According to ministry figures, a large-scale hospital could provide the vaccine service to 600 people per day and a community hospital, 360 people per day. It is expected that the first phase will be complete within 54 days.

"I want to make clear that the vaccines in the first phase will be enough for everyone, so there is no rush to make the reservation. You have until the end of this month to make a reservation and we have already provided about 20 million slots for everyone," he told a press conference.

According to a ministry survey, around 40-60% of people had initially agreed to a vaccination, which increased to 70% after the latest wave of the outbreak.

"We expect to see around 70% of people getting the vaccine, which means there will be five million doses of vaccine left for other groups," Dr Pongsadhorn said.

The second group who are aged 60 can register in July and the jabs will start in August.

Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said the booking system was the responsibility of the ministry.

"Mor Prom is simply one of the registration channels. Today is just the first day," he said.

He suggested two other channels -- hospitals and village health volunteers. He apologised on behalf of the team and said there was still one month to prepare the database for vaccinations.

"If it's not possible today, try again tomorrow. All eligible people should register and the data will be compared with the database in their areas. If all goes well, they can get the shots," Dr Taweesilp said.

On the internet, netizens shared their experiences accessing the Mor Prom application app. Some said they could not select their wanted hospital, the reservations were full and the steps complicated.

One Twitter user said his father is aged 65, and could not find his name. He received a suggestion that he make direct contact with the hospital.

Many could not make a reservation despite the screen showing it was available. Some found their name was missing despite the fact they were eligible.

"The government should let private hospitals provide the vaccine," one woman said. 

Sloppy facemask disposal set to create ANOTHER new surge Sloppy facemask disposal and poor hygiene awareness is set to create a new, more powerful, COVID surge across Thailand. April 30, 2021. Bangkok Jack



Fear over sloppy mask disposal

People have recently been forced to wear facemasks in most Thai provinces, despite the overwhelming medical evidence that they do not prevent the spread of viruses and, in fact, do more harm to people's health that good.

The risk of further spreading is a good example of this.

The move has left the public wondering who is making these simple-minded decisions and what on earth are they thinking.

Especially now as it looks likely COVID face-muzzles, or at least the lazy disposal of, are actually causing further spreading of the mild virus and not reducing it.

An estimated 1.8 billion face masks are being discarded nationwide each day, many of them improperly, raising fears among medics of a further spread of Covid-19.

The Department of Pollution Control (DPD) is in discussion with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and other provinces to encourage residents to follow correct disposal guidelines, which prioritise garbage separation.

The authorities have found an increasing number of used face masks being thrown away with normal household garbage, said DPD director-general Atthapol Charoenchansa.

Discarded masks that are tainted with infection expose garbage collectors to a high risk of contracting Covid-19 and further spreading the disease. (continues)

From June 1 to Dec 31 last year, 17.8 tonnes of face masks were collected from 2,690 locations nationwide, according to DPD figures.

Most were disposed of properly by local authorities while the rest were buried in landfills, incinerated or taken care of by private contractors.

The DPD says the amount of discarded face masks is set to jump dramatically this year.

If everyone in Thailand throws away one mask a day, the amount of monthly discarded masks will exceed 1.8 billion.

Bangkok alone produces more than 20 tonnes of infected garbage a day, mostly discarded face masks picked up from hospitals treating Covid-19 patients, and field hospitals where mild-symptom Covid sufferers are treated.

Mr Atthapol said infected garbage discharged from hospitals and medical facilities present no problem to the environment or people because it is disposed of in a safe, closed system — the department was more concerned about people neglecting to separate used masks from other everyday household garbage.

He suggested a special bin be set aside for used masks. People should also fold the masks in half and tighten them with a string before dropping them into the bin. Every 3-4 days the masks should be gathered and placed inside a plastic bag with the opening tightened with a string.

Then the bag should be clearly labelled as infected garbage.



Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market closed down until June May 1, 2021. Bangkok Jack / The Nation



Doesn't look like much fun anyway...

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on Wednesday decided to postpone the easing of weekday lockdown measures at popular Chatuchak Market until June or until the Covid-19 situation improves, BMA deputy permanent secretary Wanlaya Wattanarat said.

To prevent Covid-19 from spreading further, the market had been ordered shut on weekdays and allowed to open only on weekends.

"We had planned to help increase revenue for merchants by opening the market until 6pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, while on Friday, Saturday and Sunday merchants could open until 10pm. The market was to be closed every Monday for cleaning," she said.

"However, due to the third wave of outbreak, the BMA has postponed the weekday opening until June 1 or when the situation improves," Wanlaya said.

"All promotional activities scheduled to be held around the clock tower in the market will also be postponed accordingly," she said.

Wanlaya added that merchants and shoppers at Chatuchak need to adhere to the "D-M-H-T-T-A" measures as advised by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, which are: distancing from others, wearing a mask, washing your hands regularly, checking your body temperature, testing for Covid-19, and using the Thai Chana or Mor Chana application. – The Nation

Chonburi Covid-19 cases drop to 106 confirmed and new infections this morning Saturday, 1 May 2021, 12:23. Pattaya News

Chonburi, Thailand– The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 106 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 this morning (May First).

This makes a total of 2,522 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 1,637 still in medical care, with six recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. Two additional deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours. Additionally, 879 people in total have now been released from medical care and fully recovered in Chonburi since this current wave began with over a hundred people recovered yesterday alone. The district-level new cases were as follows today: Mueang Chonburi with 32, Si Racha 10, Banglamung (Pattaya) 41, Sattahip 7, Ban Bueng 4, Pan Thong 10, and two patients from other areas transferred to Chonburi for medical care. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The details on today's cases given were: 1. 17 confirmed patients from entertainment venues in Chonburi province, namely 1.1 4 STEP PUB 4 people 1.2 Flintstones Pub from Mueang Chonburi 3 cases 1.3 Kitchen Lao 2 people 1.4 Insomnia 1 person 1.5 Version Pub Pattaya 1 person 1.6 Friend Zone 1 person 1.7 5 other entertainment venues in Pattaya 2. 16 people who were close contacts from previously confirmed patients in other provinces and then traveled: 2.1 Bangkok: 1 person 2.2 Samut Prakan Province, 4 cases 2.3 Chiang Mai Province: 3 cases 2.4 Samutsakorn Province: 2 cases 2.5 Pranakorn Sri Ayudhaya 2 cases 2.6 Chanthaburi Province: 2 cases 2.7 Nonthaburi: 1 person 2.8 Rayong Province: 1 person 3. 1 medical personnel 4. Under investigation 72 cases The details on the two additional deaths were not given. -=-=-=-=-=-==-=- In the last day, a total of 272 close contacts were being tested from contact tracing, and 1418 people were being tested in proactive testing when medical staff goes out into the community. All are pending results. Additionally, another 797 people were tested from mobile testing vans and are also waiting for results as officials step up aggressive community testing. -=-=-=-=-=-=- Chonburi officials are asking people to continue to stay home, socially distance, and follow other Covid-19 related measures to control the situation. Chonburi officially becomes deep red according to a government zoning program based on Covid19 cases today, which brings additional restrictions for at least two weeks such as the closure of dine-in at restaurants. Read more on this here:

1/5



Fr.o.m idag är alla restauranger stängda här för bordsservering. De som tror de kan tjäna någon bath kan ha öppet men endast för ”take away”.

 



PRD information

 

Hospitals CLOSING across Thailand as staff spread virus April 30, 2021. Bangkok Jack



Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital has stopped receiving new patients

A number of hospitals in several provinces have stopped providing services to patients after many of their personnel contracted Covid-19.

This latest move has left many people wondering just exactly what is the point of a hospital then?

It is worth reminding ourselves that this is all for a virus test with a 98% chance of being wrong for a virus with a 99.6% survival rate.

Or, at least, did have until the hospitals started closing down and people were unable to find treatment.

Ruam Phaet Chai Nat Hospital in Chai Nat closed yesterday after a hospital employee was infected. The hospital has been thoroughly cleaned and will reopen on May 12. High-risk employees have been quarantined.

The infected employee, 44, contracted the virus from an infected person in Ta Khli district in Nakhon Sawan. He is the 30th and latest case of Covid-19 in Chai Nat.

In Trang, Ratsada Hospital reported six infected hospital personnel, with 12 others waiting for their test results.

The hospital and Ratsada Public Health Office were declared maximum-control areas. Most of the infected personnel are not in patient-facing roles.

As of yesterday, the hospital closed all departments, except emergency care, in order to test the rest of its personnel and sanitise the premises.

Trang has reported a total number of 96 Covid-19 cases.

In Phangnga, an accident and emergency room staff member of Takua Pa Hospital contracted Covid-19. Twenty-two people, including his colleagues and family members, tested negative for the virus.

The hospital closed its accident and emergency room temporarily for deep cleaning on Tuesday. It will reopen again tomorrow.

Sam Pran Hospital announced it was closing its operating room for 14 days, from Tuesday until May 10 after an operating room employee contracted the virus. Forty medical workers who had been in contact with the infected person have gone into quarantine.

In Lampang, 26 staff members of Maetha Hospital who were at risk of contracting Covid-19 tested negative but one tested positive.

The staff will work from home for 14 days. The infected person contracted the virus from another infected person who had visited the hospital.

Khon Kaen Hospital earlier this month ordered 105 medical staff to quarantine immediately. The hospital was forced to stop receiving patient referrals and to temporarily close two medical wards and one paediatric ward.

Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital in Bangkok announced it would stop receiving new Covid cases until tomorrow after staff came into contact with infected patients.

Suvarnabhumi Airport turned into a VACCINATION CENTRE April 30, 2021. Bangkok Jack

An airport staff member receives the Covid-19 vaccine at a check-in row in Suvarnabhumi Airport on April 28, 2021.PHOTO: EPA-EFE

Long queues have returned to Thailand's unusually quiet international airport this week, after it converted its check-in area into an immunisation centre as part of efforts to speed up its Covid-19 vaccine rollout.

Cordons and suitcases were replaced with evenly-spaced chairs at check-in counters, where immigration and airport staff and cabin crew lined up to register for the vaccines, of which more than 1,000 will be administered each day.

The inoculations provided a buzz of activity seldom seen this past year at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which has been hit by a dramatic slump in passengers and air traffic from weaker demand and tighter entry curbs.

In 2019, before the pandemic came, Thailand welcomed nearly 40 million tourists, mostly through the main gateway. Thailand had only 6,737 visitors in March.

Staff member Siwaporn Singkhrut, who was among the first of more than 30,000 set to receive vaccines at the airport, said there was plenty of room to expand the service to more people.

"Now, only a portion of the airport is in operation, and it would be even better if it were to fully open to the public so people can come and get vaccinated," she said.

After a year of relatively minor outbreaks, Thailand is experiencing its biggest and fastest spread of the coronavirus, with cases more doubling since the start of April to nearly 61,699, with 178 fatalities.

It recorded 2,012 new cases and 15 more deaths on Wednesday.

Thailand's government has yet to start mass vaccinations and is rushing to secure vaccine supplies to supplement those set to be manufactured locally from June

Valborgsmässoafton 30/4.

 

Long weekend again !

Så var det dags för långhelg igen. Det lär väl inte bli så upphetsande p.g.a rådande restriktioner. Förmodligen lika lugnt och stilla som det var under Songkran för 2 veckor sedan.



Covid19 cases in Chonburi, home of Pattaya, rise to 151 new and confirmed positive cases this morning, driven by higher testing Friday, 30 April 2021, 9:05. Pattaya News



Chonburi, Thailand–

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 151 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 this morning (April 29^th), following a major increase in community testing.

This makes a total of 2,416 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 1,651 still in medical care, with four recorded deaths this week in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April. Two additional deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours.

Additionally, 761 people in total have now been released from medical care and fully recovered since this current wave began. Today's cases marked an overall increase in infections but were driven by a major increase in community testing.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi with 13, Si Racha 37, Banglamung (Pattaya) 86, Panat Nikhom 1, Sattahip 1, Ban Bueng 2, Pan Thong 6, and five patients from other provinces transferred to Chonburi for medical care.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The details on today's cases given were:

1. 8 confirmed patients from entertainment venues in Chonburi province, namely
   1.1 Flintstones Pub from Mueang Chonburi 2 people
   1.2 The Garden 168 Pattaya 1 person
   1.3 808 Club Pattaya 1 person
   1.4 Insomnia Pattaya 1 person
   1.5 Other entertainment venues in Pattaya, 3 cases
2. 13 cases of confirmed close contact patients from house parties and traveling to other provinces, including
   2.1 Bangkok 3
   2.2 Pathum Thani Province: 2 cases
   2.3 Krabi Province: 2 cases
   2.4 Sa Kaeo Province: 1 person
   2.5 Nonthaburi: 1 person
   2.6 Chanthaburi Province: 1 person
   2.7 Phitsanulok 1 person
   2.8 Rayong Province: 1 person
   2.9 Yasothon Province: 1 person
3. Two confirmed patients from unspecified "other" workplaces
4. 9 confirmed cases of close contact persons in their families.
5. 1 medical personnel
6. In the process of investigation, 118 cases.

The details on the two additional deaths were not given. These cases were based on approximately 2124 tests conducted in the past day, roughly double what had been being tested recently as increased community testing takes place.

-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-

In the last day, a total of 163 close contacts were being tested from contact tracing, and 1185 people were being tested in proactive testing when medical staff goes out into the community. All are pending results. Additionally another 1,108 people were tested from mobile testing vans and are also waiting for results as officials step up aggressive community testing.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Chonburi officials are asking people to continue to stay home, socially distance, and follow other Covid-19 related measures to control the situation. Chonburi officially becomes deep red according to a government zoning program based on Covid19 cases after today, which brings additional restrictions for at least two weeks such as closure of dine-in at restaurants. 

Government to work with private sector on vaccine rollout. The aim is to vaccinate 50 million people in Thailand or a target of 70% by the end of the year. This will enable the country to be opened up by the start of next year. Thai Visa / Channel 7



 

Channel 7 reported that the Thai government would be working with principal players in the private sector to help deliver the vaccine rollout.

 

On board are groups such as the Federation of Thai Industries, The Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Bankers Association.

 

Groups such as these will be working in four key areas including vaccine procurement, public relations, places where vaccine can be administered and use of tech.

 

Industrial estates, import export companies, malls and gas stations will all be able to play a vital role. 

 

The aim is to vaccinate 50 million people in Thailand or a target of 70% by the end of the year.

 

This will enable the country to be opened up by the start of next year. 

 

Bangkok will pilot the mass rollout at 14 locations for 20,000 people a day starting in June. 

 

The government is in the process of procuring 100 million doses of vaccine, said the media.

 

Migrant workers will be part of the rollout. 

 

 

Face mask into - PRD

 

Zone Changes. Bangkok Post



Royal Thai Embassy, Stockholm information

 

😥😥😥😥

 

DET HÄR GÅR ÅT FEL HÅLL !!! Thai Covid-19 center meeting approves stepped up Covid-19 control measures and readjusts "Dark Red Zones" in six provinces, including Bangkok and Chonburi, effective this Saturday - The Pattaya News

Thai Covid-19 center meeting approves stepped up Covid-19 control measures and readjusts "Dark Red Zones" in six provinces, including Bangkok and Chonburi, effective this Saturday

Thursday, 29 April 2021, 17:50

National –

The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved in principle stricter Covid-19 health measures in Thailand proposed by Public Health Ministry at a meeting today, effective nationwide on midnight of May 1st, taking effect for this upcoming holiday weekend.

CCSA spokesperson Taweeslip Visanuyuthin revealed this afternoon, April 29th, that the first proposal was for state quarantine for all arrivals to Thailand to increase from 7-10 days to 14 days again. All visitors, including Thai and foreign nationals, have to stay in their room at all times and must undergo regular Covid-19 testing by the public health authorities. This is regardless of country of origin or if the visitor is fully vaccinated or not.

However, travelers who have obtained their Certificate of Entry (COE) prior to May 1st, 2021, and arrive in the Kingdom before May 6th will be quarantined for 7 to 10 days, depending on vaccination status.

Secondly, six provinces in Thailand are planned to be categorized as the "highest risk and control zones" or "Dark Red Zones". The provinces are Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Samut Prakan.

The proposed measures for the "Dark Red Zones" include no large gatherings of more than 20 people; no dine-in services at all restaurants and takeaway is only allowed until 9:00 PM.; sports stadiums and facilities, as well as gyms, must be closed; shopping malls and shops can be opened until 9:00 PM.; local residents are asked to refrain from leaving home if unnecessarily. All previously closed venues and orders stand, additionally, governors can implement stricter orders if they choose but cannot loosen the restrictions.

Dine-in services will be allowed until 9:00 PM. in the "Red Zones", and until 11:00 PM. in the "Orange Zones". Similar to the "Dark Red Zones" measures, shopping malls are allowed to open until 9:00 PM. Entertainment venues, school institutions, and sports facilities must stay closed.

Dr. Taweesilp also stated that private business companies, especially in Bangkok, are highly recommended to order their employees to conduct "Work From Home" during the new and stricter measures to curb the Covid-19 local transmission. The measures will last for at least two weeks, or until the situation improves. There was no discussion about financial aid measures for affected employees or businesses.