2021 Covid-19 surge in Thailand
With Songkran nearing, Thailand’s residents are gearing up for one of the longest holidays of the year. However, the upcoming break also comes with what seems to be a breakout of Covid-19 – on 7th April 2021, Thailand reported 334 new cases.
Along with a sudden rise in Covid-19 cases comes discovery of the UK strain of the virus in Thong Lor.
Covid-19 updates in Thailand
- Alcohol sales to Pause at restaurants and bars in BKK
- Virologist warns of another covid-19 surge in Thailand
- Thai government announces “Mor Prom”
- Phuket expats can register for Covid-19 vaccinations
Covid-19 cluster cases linked to nightclubs
Today, alone, Bangkok presented 216 cases. The rising number of Covid-19 infections are said to be linked to entertainment venues: Krystal Club Thonglor 25, Baan Phahol Cafe and Bar, Ekamai Beer House, Barbarbar, Dollar Bangkok and The Cassette Music Bar and Pub Dirty.
Forty individuals that work in these seven venues have caught the virus, stated The Disease Control Department according to NNT- National News Bureau of Thailand. Officials have also asked those who have recently visited these spots to urgently undergo Covid-19 testing.
Image credit: NNT- National News Bureau of Thailand
The deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Natapanu Nopakun clarified that the majority of the cases are related to many entertainment venues, reported The Thaiger.
Furthermore, the Phuket Health Chief stated that eight cases were reported in the province today – four were related to the entertainment venues on the island. This news seems to alarm a number of citizens as one of the infected persons was a band member who attended three events at last weekend’s “Kolour” music festival that was widely attended.
UK Covid-19 variant in Thailand
On the same day that Bangkok recorded the suddenly high number of Covid-19 infections, renowned virologist, Professor Yong Poovorawan noted that the UK strain – or ‘the Kent variant’ of the novel coronavirus was said to have been found in 24 of the cluster cases, reported Bangkok Post.
Professor Poovorawan further stated, “The strain found in the Thong Lor cluster is the UK variant. It will spread 1.7 times quicker than the normal strain”.
Travel with precaution
Even though inter-provincial travel is still convenient and allowed, it’s always important to practise virus safety measures. So, others can be safe and healthy as well.
Flying into Thailand updates:
- Thailand shortens quarantine period to 7 days
- International visitors expected to arrive in Koh Samui in July
Cover images adapted from: @theunplannedplaces (Left), @bkkmenu (Right)
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