Thailand’s Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) has recently entered into contract negotiations to procure one million tablets of Favipiravir, and anti-viral drug used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, and is negotiating for the purchase of another million tablets, Disease Control Department Director-General Dr. Opas Karnkavinpong said today (Sunday).
He assured that there are still about 500,000 tablets available, which is sufficient to meet the current demand of about 10,000 tablets a day.
Nevertheless, he said Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the GPO to procure more Favipiravir as reserves, in case more are needed for the treatment of those infected with the virus.
The first batch of a million tablets already ordered are expected to arrive by the end of this month or in May, he added.
According to the CCSA, 13,588 COVID-19 patients are still being treated in hospitals in Thailand.
Meanwhile, Chiang Mai provincial health office reported 196 new cases today, raising the total number of infections in this northern province to 2,233 since April 1st. About 200 of have been discharged, after having completed their treatment and quarantine period.
The provincial communicable disease committee has issued orders to implement restrictions to contain the spread of the virus, endorsed by the CCSA on Friday.
The restrictions include the closure of all entertainment outlets, such as pubs, bars, karaoke bars, massage parlours, saunas and similar businesses, 9pm closure of eateries, except for take home services, closure of all malls, community malls and department stores at 9pm, convenience stores, night markets and walking streets can only operate from 4am to 11pm and 9pm closure of fitness clubs and gyms.
