Thais asked to cooperate
With an increase of over 1000 active cases in just one week, it appears the novel coronavirus is back and here to stay. Thailand’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) thus warned that this outbreak is more serious than the previous spread in March, which led to the two-month lockdown.
Dr. Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Administration, said “If we cooperate, there will be no need to enforce the law, impose lockdowns or a curfew”.
The statement is similar to one that the CCSA made back in March.
74 new cases in Bangkok
On Christmas, the Royal Thai Government announced the Covid-19 situation was under control, and there would be no nationwide lockdown. Things took a turn two days later. On 27th December, the number coronavirus cases in Thailand rose by 121 – 94 of which were transmitted locally.
Image credit: National News Bureau of Thailand
What started as a cluster spread in Samut Songkhram now has other Thai provinces on lockdown. Yesterday, the National News Bureau of Thailand reported 16 direct-contract cases in Bangkok. This brings the capital’s total case up to 74.
Covid-19 situation intensifies
If 2020 had a catchphrase it would be “just kidding!”. The unpredictability and outright absurdities the year has brought us confirms that it is important to remain cautious and cooperate with safety measures.
Another safety measure is early testing. Many hospitals across Thailand are offering tests under ฿3,000 (~USD100), and even free of charge for high-risk groups.
Featured image adapted from: Reuters / Athit Perawongmetha
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