More field hospitals and community isolation programs are being set up in Pathum Thani, to help accommodate the rising number of COVID-19 patients, as many field hospitals in the province are reportedly full, especially with patients from the cluster at “Talaad Thai”, Thailand’s largest fruit and vegetable market.

There are currently 10 field hospitals across four districts in Pathum Thani, with a combined total of 3,588 beds. One of them has been closed temporarily. Another was opened on Monday, with a 400 bed capacity, but it is expected that it will be full in a few months.

A new facility in Lum Luk Ka district was opened yesterday and yet another, in Khlong Luang district, is expected to open soon as a comprehensive centre with semi-ICU facilities and a virus laboratory.

Home and community isolation programs are being set up for “green” or asymptomatic and mild cases, with a plan for community programs in every district of the province. Many field hospitals are reportedly taking more “yellow” cases, or those with moderate symptoms.

Dr. Apichon Jeensawek, deputy chief of the Pathum Thani health office, said that the deteriorating situation has led to a shortage of medical staff, as some of the nurses from health centres were asked to help in other areas. The Ruam Jai Rak field hospital, for example, now has only 5 or 6 medics, which means more nurses from private hospitals and health volunteers are required.

Pathum Thani is among the 13 Dark Red “maximum controlled and restricted” zones, with high numbers of daily new infections. 476 new COVID-19 infections and two more deaths have been recorded in the province today, raising its total, since April 2021, to 15,818.

Currently, there are 300-400 patients being admitted daily, while government hospitals can accommodate 488 patients and Thammasat University Hospital can accommodate 76. Most of the hospitals are now full.