COVID-19 has resurfaced as a public concern in Thailand, with daily infections climbing back into the thousands.
On May 26, health authorities reported 14,156 new cases, bringing the total number this year to 220,093 – a sharp jump from 187,031 just two days earlier. COVID fatalities also rose from 46 to 51 over the two days.
Cases are especially high among children, forcing large schools such as the Ratwinit Bangkaeo School in Samut Prakan to halt classes and switch to online learning in a bid to stem the outbreak.
Latest situation
The Disease Control Department (DCD) has warned that COVID-19 is spreading fast again.
Since mid-April, health authorities have recorded 6,000 to 8,000 new cases daily.
These figures likely represent the tip of the iceberg since they do not include people unaware they have been infected and those who do not report their infection.
The daily infection rate surged again after children returned to schools for the start of the new semester earlier this month.
In response, the authorities are once again urging people to use face masks and maintain physical distancing in public places.
“Always keep your face mask on in crowded areas and be sure to wash your hands frequently too,” Dr Jurai Wongsawat, spokeswoman of the Disease Control Department, said recently.
She emphasised that children should be kept away from school if they develop respiratory symptoms.
Meanwhile, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation (GPO) has stepped up the production of COVID medications Favipiravir and Molnupiravir to help control the outbreak.
“Demand is rising, and we are closely monitoring the situation,” said Dr Mingkwan Suphannaphong, managing director of the GPO.
Although the COVID-19 fatality rate has dropped sharply from 0.14% at the peak of the pandemic to 0.02% today, the disease remains highly infectious and also deadly in severe cases.
Free COVID-19 jabs for vulnerable groups are once again being offered at state hospitals and certain private facilities.
Those eligible for free vaccination include individuals aged over 65, those with chronic diseases such as asthma, kidney failure, obstructive pulmonary diseases, and thalassemia, pregnant women, children under 3, and obese people.
What if you get COVID-19?
Most people will recover fully from COVID-19 with just rest and basic medicines such as fever reducers, decongestants, and mucolytics. However, those who suffer more severe symptoms will need extra medical help.
Dr Jiraruj Chomchoey, a paediatrician and respiratory disease specialist at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, advises that infants infected by COVID tend to develop worrying conditions such as high fever, lethargy, diarrhoea, and lung issues.
Vulnerable groups may also develop serious symptoms. As of press time, several thousand COVID patients were hospitalised with severe symptoms or for being at higher risk.
The National Health Security Office (NHSO), which manages the universal coverage healthcare scheme that covers most Thais, has urged people to see a doctor if their COVID-19 symptoms turn serious.
Those with just minor symptoms, meanwhile, can pick up basic care kits from participating primary healthcare centres or pharmacies.
They also have the option of consulting healthcare providers via three telemedicine apps: Clicknic, Mordee and Saluber MD.
Once COVID-19 patients have seen a doctor online, any medicines prescribed will be sent to their home.
Health authorities advise COVID sufferers to self-isolate for five days. They may leave isolation in their room or house after that period if their condition has significantly improved.
However, between Days 6 and 10, they should wear a mask and keep a safe distance from others.
Importantly, COVID-19 patients whose symptoms do not improve within one week are urged to consult a doctor.
