Thailand recorded five new COVID-19 cases today, all among Thais in state quarantine after returning from Kuwait, but no new fatalities.
CCSA spokesman, Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, told a news briefing today (Monday) that the new cases bring Thailand’s cumulative infections to 3,195, with 3,072 recoveries and 65 others being treated in hospital. The death toll remains 58.
Four of the five new patients are Thai males, aged 34, 46, 48 and 51, who all worked as freelancers. The fifth is a 37-year old Thai woman, who worked as a masseuse. All of them arrived in Thailand on the same flight as five others, who earlier also tested positive for COVID-19.
According to the CCSA, a total of 52,957 Thais returning from abroad have been quarantined at facilities across the country and 43,849 have returned home. Among the returnees, 258 were infected and 193 of them have recovered so far.
328 Thais are due back in the country today from Singapore and South Korea, while 160 from Japan and 60 from China are scheduled to arrive tomorrow.
Since the number of arrivals is fewer than the 500 daily quota, Dr. Taweesin said that the CCSA has agreed to allow 20 Chinese businessmen from Shanghai and 32 others from Beijing to enter Thailand adding, however, that they must all enter state quarantine for 14 days.
Regarding foreigners who want to enter Thailand for medical services, under the Medical and Wellness Program, Dr. Taweesin stressed that they must seek medical services at their own expense and arrive by air only.
In addition, he said they must hold a valid “Fit to Fly” certificate, must have undergone tests which prove they are free from coronavirus, issued within 72 hours prior to their departure for Thailand, must enter quarantine at designated hospitals for 14 days and must undergo three coronavirus tests during their stay in Thailand.
So far, 1,169 foreigners from 34 countries have applied to enter Thailand for medical reasons, plus 1,521 of their companions. These include 1,685 from ASEAN member countries, 389 from China, 23 from Europe, 125 from South Asia, 427 from the Middle East, 16 for North America, two from Oceania and 23 from Africa.
Dr. Taweesin disclosed that there are about 600 Thai nationals living in the UK who have asked to return to Thailand. As some of them are suffering from stress, he said that the CCSA has arranged for two charter flights to bring them back on July 20th and July 26th.
As many Thai people travel out of their home provinces during the long weekend, he urged them not to lower their guard and to wear face masks when they are outside, cleanse their hands regularly and maintain social distancing.
