Several Thai universities with student exchange programs with Chinese universities, or a large contingent of Chinese students, have taken measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus on campus.
Rangsit University announced on its Facebook page today that its International College has decided to suspend classes from today until Thursday, and has advised students, who develop flu-like symptoms, to visit hospitals or notify their teaching advisors immediately, so that they can be provided with appropriate treatment.
Students, who have returned from China in the past two weeks, have been told to wear N95 face masks for at least two weeks and to avoid visiting crowded places.
Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Mai province, which has a large number of Chinese students and teaching staff, has advised those who are still in China to delay their return to Thailand for at least two weeks. Students or staff members who plan to visit China have been told to postpone their plans until further notice.
Mahidol University has issued an announcement advising its Chinese students in Thailand to avoid meeting fellow students who have just returned from China. Students of staff members who returned from China after January 17th have been told to stay home for ten days and to report to the student affairs unit so it can keep track of the returnees.
All students and university staff are advised to delay trips to China. If they have to travel, they are advised to wear face masks while they are outdoors and avoid visiting livestock markets.
The Tha Phra Palace campus of Silpakorn University, which is a popular attraction for tourists from many nations, has closed its main gates, leaving a small entrance for convenient screening of visitors.
Meanwhile, Air Asia has extended it suspension of all flights to the Chinese city of Wuhan from Kota Kina Balu international airport in Malaysia, Bangkok and Phuket international airports until February 15th as more fatalities and new cases of coronavirus are reported in Wuhan.
A Thai exchange student, who has just returned from China, has been admitted to Ang Thong provincial hospital for observation after she developed a cough. Medical technicians took samples of her blood, to be sent to the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute for tests.
Thai health officials at the Mae Sot border crossing have stepped up the screening of travellers, especially Chinese, moving across the Thai-Myanmar border. So far, no coronavirus infection has been reported.
