WHILE Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha decided to as yet not enforce new measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus variant Omicron at a Cabinet meeting today (Nov. 7) he did order tighter screening of people entering the country, TV Channel 7 said. Thai Newsroom

PM holds off introducing additional measures to deal with Omicron

December 7, 2021 TNR Staff

WHILE Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha decided to as yet not enforce new measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus variant Omicron at a Cabinet meeting today (Nov. 7) he did order tighter screening of people entering the country, TV Channel 7 said.

Deputy Public Health Minister Satit Pitutecha said Gen. Prayut had instructed Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to increase stringent measures in screening travellers coming into the country.

However activities in the country can proceed as planned with this including the reopening of the country to tourism, New Year countdown events and relaxation of measures in various zones.

This will be coupled with tighter screening measures and close monitoring of information about the Omicron variant.

If there is more information the situation will be resolved in a timely manner but for now everything is allowed to move forward.

Anutin had said that at present it cannot be determined how Omicron will affect disease control as it would take at least two weeks to one month to get research results from the World Health Organization and the rest of the world and for this reason it is not currently a cause for concern.





The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 162 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with two new deaths, December 7th. Pattaya News

Chonburi announces 162 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 and two new deaths

Tuesday, 7 December 2021, 14:42

Highlights:

• 162 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi today

• 198 people recovered and were released from medical care

• 2 new deaths

The Chonburi Department of Public Health announced 162 new and confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with two new deaths, December 7th.

This makes a total of 108,807 cases of Covid-19 in the current round of infections, with 1,958 people still under medical care/supervision, and with a total of 770 recorded deaths in Chonburi since the start of this recent round of infections in early April.

Additionally, 198 people were also released and recovered yesterday in Chonburi. 106,079 people in total have now been released from medical care and recovered in Chonburi since this current wave of Covid-19 began.

One person was listed as being in serious condition in Chonburi currently, either on a ventilator or pneumonia and was not vaccinated.

The two new deaths were at the average age of 61 and had personal health problems and were not vaccinated.

In total, 1,863,075 people in Pattaya and Chonburi have received their first dose of a Covid -19 vaccine which is 79.99 percent of the total Chonburi population. Of those, 291,802 have received their first dose and are what the Thai government calls 608 groups (elders, have chronic health problems, and pregnant) which is 78.88 percent of those in these risk groups in Chonburi.

The district-level new cases were as follows today:

Mueang Chonburi 21, Si Racha 46, Banglamung (Pattaya) 69, Sattahip 3, Ban Bueng 4, Phan Thong 7, ฺsoldiers in Sattahip 1, Bor Thong 2, Nong Yai 1, and 8 people transferred from other provinces for medical care.

The details on the cases are as follows:

1. Cluster, soldiers in Sattahip, 5 cases
2. Cluster, Siam Compressor Industries in Si Racha, 17 cases
3. Cluster, Celestica (Thailand) company, Si Racha, 11 cases
4. Cluster NTN Manufacturing (Thailand) company in Si Racha, 6 cases
5. Cluster, Mayer Industries Industries company in Si Racha, 5 cases
6. Back from other provinces in Bangkok – 2 cases, Sisaket – 2 cases, and Rayong – 1 case
7. Close contacts from previously confirmed cases in families – 45 cases, in workplaces – 20 cases, close friends – 2 cases, and joined parties – 4 cases
8. Close contact of a confirmed patient (under investigation), 13 cases
9. 28 cases, close contacts of a confirmed patient (under investigation)

Hotel worker who served Omicron-infected American tests positive. OF THE 17 people at high risk of contracting the Omicron variant of coronavirus after having contacts with the American tourist who is the country’s first case, one has tested positive for infection but the variant is still being ascertained, Siam Rath newspaper said today ( Dec. 7). Thai Newsroom

Hotel worker who served Omicron-infected American tests positive

December 7, 2021 TNR Staff

OF THE 17 people at high risk of contracting the Omicron variant of coronavirus after having contacts with the American tourist who is the country's first case, one has tested positive for infection but the variant is still being ascertained, Siam Rath newspaper said today ( Dec. 7).

Deputy Public Health Minister Satit Pitutecha told reporters at Government House that the infected hotel worker had delivered food to the infected American man. 

After he got a positive result his samples were sent to determine whether he had been infected with the Omicron strain and it will take three to four days to get the result. He is undergoing treatment at the Bamrasnaradura Institute.

Aside from possibly catching the infection from the American tourist, the hotel worker could have also got infected while visiting Ubon Ratchathani province recently, he added.

Meanwhile the ministry had said this morning there were 3,525 Covid cases and 31 deaths over the past 24 hours raising the cumulative confirmed total since April to 2,119,903 and from the onset of the pandemic 2,148,766, Sanook.com said.

The additional 31 fatalities increased the death toll to 20,997.

Another 6,109 patients were cured taking total recoveries since April to 2,033,948 while 66,395 are still undergoing treatment.

People living in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are advised to brace for an increase in PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere, which is expected to get worse during the cold season through December and January, and to protect themselves by following guidelines issued by health officials. PBS World

Worsening air quality in Bangkok, provinces nearby forecast through next month

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People living in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are advised to brace for an increase in PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere, which is expected to get worse during the cold season through December and January, and to protect themselves by following guidelines issued by health officials.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), in cooperation with relevant agencies, has taken steps to ease the problem from PM2.5, which is likely to exceed safety levels.

According to Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang, the steps taken or to be taken include a ban on the burning of farm waste or garbage in open spaces, road cleaning, the spraying of trees to remove dust and the launch of a campaign to encourage people to reduce emissions.

The Air4Thai application, which keeps track of air quality in and around Bangkok, reported that the air quality today (Tuesday) is at a moderate level, but there are signs that, in Klong Sam Wa, on Ma Charoen Road and in Mahachai sub-district of Samut Sakhon province, the air quality is deteriorating to the level that it may pose a health hazard.

Director-General of Health Service Support Department Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong recommends that the public wear face masks, especially those that can filter out PM2.5 particles, all the time while they are outdoors.

He also recommends that people check the air quality via Air4Thai application or on the www.air4thai.com website before leaving home.

The Health Service Support Department has worked out a 7-point guideline for the public to help in protecting themselves against PM2.5 dust.

It suggests refraining from outdoor exercise or activities in areas in which PM2.5 exceeds safety levels, wearing face masks all the time when outside, stopping the burning of garbage and incense and regular house cleaning. Additionally, people with underlying diseases should refrain from leaving home, to reduce risk of exposure to PM2.5 dust, and they should see a doctor immediately if they develop breathing difficulties.

Future pandemics could be even more lethal than COVID-19 so the lessons learned from the outbreak must not be squandered and the world should ensure it is prepared for the next viral onslaught, one of the creators of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine said. The novel coronavirus has killed 5.26 million people across the world, according to Johns Hopkins University, wiped out trillions of dollars in economic output and turned life upside down for billions of people. PBS World / Reuters

Next pandemic could be more lethal than COVID, vaccine creator says

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LONDON (Reuters) – Future pandemics could be even more lethal than COVID-19 so the lessons learned from the outbreak must not be squandered and the world should ensure it is prepared for the next viral onslaught, one of the creators of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine said.

The novel coronavirus has killed 5.26 million people across the world, according to Johns Hopkins University, wiped out trillions of dollars in economic output and turned life upside down for billions of people.

"The truth is, the next one could be worse. It could be more contagious, or more lethal, or both," Sarah Gilbert said in the Richard Dimbleby Lecture, the BBC reported. "This will not be the last time a virus threatens our lives and our livelihoods."

Gilbert, a professor of vaccinology at the University of Oxford, said the world should make sure it is better prepared for the next virus.

"The advances we have made, and the knowledge we have gained, must not be lost," she said.

Efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic have been uneven and fragmented, marked by limited access to vaccines in low-income countries while the "healthy and wealthy" in rich countries get boosters, health experts say.

A panel of health experts set up by the World Health Organisation to review the handling of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has called for permanent funding and for greater ability to investigate pandemics through a new treaty.

One proposal was for new financing of at least $10 billion a year for pandemic preparedness.

The COVID-19 outbreak was first detected in China in late 2019. Vaccines were developed against the virus in record time.

Gilbert said the Omicron variant's spike protein contained mutations known to increase the transmissibility of the virus.

"There are additional changes that may mean antibodies induced by the vaccines, or by infection with other variants, may be less effective at preventing infection with Omicron," Gilbert said.

"Until we know more, we should be cautious, and take steps to slow down the spread of this new variant."

Thailand to miss out on 600k foreign arrivals target for Nov/Dec. A day after declaring that the Omicron variant would have no effect on foreign tourist arrivals into Thailand the TAT chief has done an abrupt U-turn. ASEAN NOW

Reuters file photo for reference only

 

A day after declaring that the Omicron variant would have no effect on foreign tourist arrivals into Thailand the TAT chief has done an abrupt U-turn.

 

He now says that fears over the new variant WILL have an affect and Thailand will not get the 600,000 arrivals from abroad he was expecting in November and December. 

 

Yutthasak Suphasorn still said that November arrivals were 130,000 and December would be "at least 300,000", as reported by Thai business media.

 

But he was not blaming Thailand for this. 

 

He said that the main market for international travel was Europe - especially the UK, Germany and France - and many countries there were experiencing Covid-19 surges.

 

People were not put off going to Thailand not because of the situation in the kingdom but because of fear of lockdowns in their own countries and not being able to return after their holidays.

 

There was also the emergence of the Omicron variant. Though its precise nature is as yet uncertain it was causing consternation among people and affecting international travel, he noted.

 

Why Omicron and surges in Covid-19 cases in Europe were not affecting Thailand at the weekend but were on Monday was not explained by the media, notes ASEAN NOW.

 

These factors have been known for well over a week but seem to have been missed on the Tourism Authority of Thailand chief, well known for plucking figures from the ether.

 

Still he said that Thailand now had the RT-PCR test back in place that would prove a more effective shield against the virus.

 

He reiterated that Thailand was open and safe. 

 

His comments appeared to have come prior to Thailand announcing an Omicron case from a USA traveller from Spain.

 

Back in pre pandemic days Thailand expected monthly arrivals of 3 million foreign tourists and in 2019 had around 40 million foreign tourists

Thailand Reports Fewest Covid-19 Cases in 5 1/2 Months as 1st Omicron Case Found - It should be noted case numbers reported on Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be low due to slow local reporting on the weekend. And this was a three-day holiday weekend, so the total may not reflect all provinces. Bangkok Herald.

Thailand Reports Fewest Covid-19 Cases in 5 1/2 Months as 1st Omicron Case Found

7 December 2021

Thailand reported its fewest number of new Covid-19 cases in more than five months Tuesday, but all anyone can talk about is the threat of another lockdown.

All the news on the kingdom's coronavirus battlefront for the past week has been good, with new daily cases coming in below 5,000 six of the past seven days and totals dipping into the 4,000s. Then, on Tuesday, the government reported 3,525 new cases and 31 deaths, the least since June 23 when there were 3,174 and 51 deaths.

It should be noted case numbers reported on Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be low due to slow local reporting on the weekend. And this was a three-day holiday weekend, so the total may not reflect all provinces.

Nonetheless, the positive trend should be one people are celebrating. Instead, the only thing on anyone's lips is the latest Greek letter to grace a coronavirus variant: omicron.

The Ministry of Public Health announced Monday the discovery of Thailand's first omicron case in an American who had traveled via Emirates Airlines from Spain and transited in Dubai for nine hours.

The patient currently displays almost no symptoms and is under the close supervision of health officials.

Department of Disease Control Director-General Opas Karnkawinpong said the American man had been living in Spain for one year. He had been fully vaccinated with the one-shot Johnson & Johnson drug and his pre-departure RT-PCR came back negative before entering Thailand on Nov. 29.

The on-arrival RT-PCR test administered in accordance with Thailand's Test & Go entry pathway came back positive, however, a result confirmed on Dec. 1.

Lab tests pointed to a 99.92% probability of the Covid-19 strain present in the patient to be the omicron variant.

Opas said a re-test was ordered in order for authorities to be 100-percent certain about the infection being of the omicron variant. He added that the patient displayed almost no symptoms and had been very diligent in observing public health precautions.

Authorities have deemed there were no individuals who had high-risk exposure to the patient, as he went from the airport to his quarantine hotel to the hospital.

Opas noted that the case shows that vaccines are still effective, and will reduce the severity of symptoms and the number of deaths from Covid-19.

It also shows that Thailand's entry system is working. The infection was found before the tourist entered the general population, as designed.

Given the government's perchant for kneejerk reactions and quick triggers on lockdowns, panic spread across the country again, with widespread speculation the government could again shut down the borders and the country, including postponing the reopening of the nightlife next month.

Business leaders urged the public not to panic over the discovery the omicron case, saying another lockdown would be disastrous for the economy.

Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries Supant Mongkolsuthree said lockdowns are not the answer and that Thailand must "figure out how to co-exist" with the virus, as is being done in the west where there are exponentially more cases and deaths, yet life has returned to near-normal in many places.

Pointing to the steady downward trend in new daily cases and deaths, Supant said "we are heading in the right direction. People should not panic, otherwise the economy will not survive".

Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, agreed, saying another lockdown will scare away tourists and that omicron will become even less of a threat when the millions of unvaccinated Thais get their shots.

Government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o- cha has no plans for a lockdown as he's confident in the current screening process for visitors and the ability of the kingdom's health system to fight the pandemic.

Any changes to current policies and measures regarding Covid-19 would have to be discussed at the next meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, the spokesman said.

Thailand is the 47th country to detect the omicron variant of the coronavirus. 



🔴 #COVID19 update on Tuesday: ⬇️ 3,525 new cases ⬆️ 31 deaths. Richard Barrow

 



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