Two Bangkok hotels ready to house recovering Covid-19 patients
The Public Health Ministry urged Bangkok hotels on Thursday (April 2) to make room for Covid-19 patients who are close to recovery. Deputy Public Health Minister Satit Pitutecha said the ministry is seeking alternative accommodation for recovering patients because hospitals are fast running out of beds due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases.
So far, the operators of two hotels have stepped up to the challenge.
Princeton Park Suites Hotel will provide 270 rooms, 50 of which have already been taken up by patients and 10 more patients will arrive on Friday (April 3).
The Palazzo Bangkok will provide 349 rooms.
Three to five medical staff will be provided for every 100 patients, who will be monitored via CCTV. Their temperature and symptoms will also be constantly monitored.
Only patients who have been under hospital treatment for at least seven days will be allowed to shift to the hotels, and if their symptoms worsen they will immediately be taken back to hospital.
Dr Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Health Service Support Department, said only hotels that have at least 30 rooms, a valid operating licence and facilities that support good health practices will be considered. The Public Health Ministry will also consider compensating participating establishments in accordance with government fund disbursement principles.