686 asymptomatic COVID-19-infected patients have been admitted to field hospitals in Thailand’s Red Zone provinces of Samut Sakhon, Rayong, Chon Buri and Chanthaburi for observation, said Dr. Veeravuth Imsamran, deputy director-general of the Medical Science Department, today (Friday).
He maintained that the existing field hospitals have sufficient in-patient beds, totaling 1,316, including 872 in Samut Sakhon and the rest in the other three coastal provinces.
Field hospitals are intended for asymptomatic cases and those with mild symptoms, while regular hospitals are for severe cases and other patients and are regarded as the main facilities for the prevention of the spread of the contagion, said Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Disease Control Department.
Since December 15th, 5,604 people have been infected with the virus and, of these, seven have died. 1,306 have recovered and the rest are in regular and field hospitals.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sophon Iamsirithavorn, deputy director-general of the Disease Control Department, has expressed concern over infections in work places, citing the case of a factory in Bang Khun Thian district of Bangkok, where 17 workers tested positive for COVID-19.
He suggested that business operators encourage their employees to work from home and step up screenings in their work places, which can reduce the risk of infection.
Investigations have shown that infections related to a cock-fighting ring in Ang Thong province total 101, including 70 cases in Ang Thong, 13 in Ayutthaya, five in Lop Buri, two in Khon Kaen, six in Sing Buri and one each in Saraburi and Nonthaburi.
