BMA ties up with agencies to solve ICU bed problem, patients to be colour-coded

She added that BMA was also cooperating with the Public Health Ministry and other agencies about effectively managing ICU beds to accommodate severe cases.

“The Erawan Emergency Medical Service Centre is responsible for bed management and patient transportation in Bangkok," she said.

A colour code has been set up based on symptoms, so patients can be taken to the correct institute for treatment:

Green: Asymptomatic patients or those with slight symptoms, such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, pink eyes, rash, diarrhoea or loss of the sense of smell or taste.

Yellow: Patients at risk of developing severe symptoms, such as those above 60 years of age or those suffering from chronic conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, cirrhosis and a weakened immune system.

Red: Patients who are unusually fatigued, have trouble breathing or have developed pneumonia.

“Patients will be transported to medical facilities from 8am to 8pm,” Silapasuay said.

“Patients who have not been moved to a medical institute can call the Department of Medical Services at 1668, National Health Security Office at 1330, Erawan Emergency Medical Service Centre: 1669 or via Line @sabaideebot."

She added that patients going to the medical institute on their own must have their Covid-19 test result ready and must inform the Erawan Emergency Medical Service Centre in advance.

“If being driven to the venue by someone else, then both the patient and everyone else in the care should wear two masks and maintain a distance. The driver should also create a partition between passengers, have all windows open and turn off the air conditioning. The route should also be studied in advance so not much time is spent with the patient in closed surroundings,” she added.