Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin warned today (Monday) that new infections, which have been slowing, may surge again in mid-October because of the easing of lockdown restrictions, unless members of the public keep their guard up.
Dr. Taweesin expressed concern over the sight of many people crowding at the entrances of malls, waiting for them to open, saying that the virus can be easily transmitted in a crowded environment, with the consequences being seen in the next two weeks.
He said that infections for the months of July and August had slowed, thanks to the cooperation of all parties adding, however, that he is concerned that infections may rebound due to the easing of restrictions and many people lowering their guard.
“Today, if we are worried about the consequences over the next two weeks, after the easing of lockdown restrictions, please do not lower your guard. I want everyone to take care of themselves because (I) don’t want the graph of new infections to rise to 30,000 cases a day,” he said.
Infections in Bangkok, which are not slowing, are a matter of concern, Dr. Taweesin said, as the capital logged 3,610 new cases in the past 24 hours, including five districts which recorded more than 100 cases in a day.
Nine other provinces with high infection rates today are Samut Prakan (868), Samut Sakhon (711), Chon Buri (703), Phetchabun (488), Rayong (464), Nonthaburi (300), Ayutthaya (294), Nakhon Ratchasima (278) and Ratchaburi (267).
Thailand logged 13,988 new infections today, 444 of whom prisoners, and 17,284 recoveries. The death toll is 187.
Cumulative infections, since April 1st this year, are 1,265,659 and cumulative recoveries are 1,105,432. 148,622 people are still being treated in general and field hospitals. 4,601 are severe cases and 1,013 are on ventilators.
He noted that the death toll in Bangkok has dropped to only 24 cases today, but he warned that the death toll in October will rise again, although not as high as previous months as more people will have been vaccinated.
From February 29th to September 5th, 35,912,894 doses of vaccines have been administered in 77 provinces across Thailand. Of these, 25,234,259 were first doses, 10,074,612 were second doses and 604,023 people have received three doses.
