Thai tour guide from S Korea confirmed as new COVID-19 case
The Thai Ministry of Public Health today reported an additional COVID-19 case, bringing the total confirmed cases in the country to 41.
Public health permanent secretary Dr. Sukhum Kanchanapimai told a news conference today that the new patient is 25-year Thai man, working as a tour guide, who has recently returned from South Korea and has been undergoing treatment at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Disease Institute since February 24th.
Health officials have been trying to locate the patient’s tour group and passengers travelling on the same flight to Bangkok from South Korea for screening.
Dr. Sukhum said that, out of the confirmed cases, 28 have fully recovered, leaving 13 still in hospital, including two severe cases who have been cleared of the disease but remain in hospital for recuperation.
Thailand now ranks 12th in the world for the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
According to Thai and foreign epidemiological information, people who are most vulnerable to contracting the virus are those in the families of patients and medical personnel who do not comply with the PPE standards, hence the need for self-quarantine at home.
Dr. Sukhum asked for better understanding from members of the public, saying that not everyone returning from infected areas or under observation is infected and they should not be treated as such.
