Thailand today reported 60 new COVID-19 cases, the largest single day increase so far, bringing the country’s total confirmed cases to 272.
Disease Control Department director-general Dr. Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai told a news conference this afternoon (Thursday) that most of the new cases are cluster infections. 12 are related to Lumpini boxing stadium, five to pilgrims returning from Kuala Lumpur and 14 are linked to night-entertainment venues in the Thonglor, Suan Luang and Sukhumvit areas. They include DJs, cleaners and cashiers, nine foreign tourists from Taiwan and France, eight others, who had close contact with the foreign visitors, and those who work in crowded venues, including a reporter.
He assured that most of the new infections are not severe cases, but expressed concern that some of them did not self-quarantine, thus posing a real threat to the other people.
Those from Italy, who have been quarantined at the Sattahip naval base, have tested negative for COVID-19, but they remain in quarantine to complete the 14-day mandatory period, said Dr Suwanchai.
He also urged members of the public, who have information about people who break quarantine, to report to them local officials or call the department’s 1422 hotline.
A special meeting was called, by Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, which was also attended by the country’s top medical experts, including renowned virologist Dr. Yong Poovorawan, former public health minister Dr. Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn and Dr. Udom Kachintorn, the former dean of the Faculty of Medicines at Siriraj hospital.
Public health deputy permanent secretary Dr. Phisit Sriprasert said that the meeting was to inform and remind agencies concerned about their responsibilities, to avoid duplication of work.
