Virologist hopes Thailand can hit 100 days without Covid-19 cases
In a Facebook post on Monday (August 17), Dr Yong Poovorawan, an expert virologist at Chulalongkorn University said he hopes Thailand will be able to hit the 100-day Covid-free mark.
He said both China and Hong Kong were hit by a second wave of infections even though no rallies were held, while Vietnam encountered a second wave despite being free of Covid-19 cases for 99 days.
“New Zealand is also facing a second wave even after being free of Covid-19 cases for 102 days. So, will Thailand be free of Covid-19 for 100 days?” he asked.
He also said that respiratory diseases usually surface during the July to October rainy season every year because the virus flourishes in cool, humid weather.
“Also, social distancing has become more difficult due to political rallies and schools reopening fully, which is resulting in more young people getting respiratory infections,” he said.
“Hence, patients with respiratory complaints need to be tested for Covid-19 because there are many patients who don’t show symptoms.”
He also said that the length of time Thailand remains free of Covid-19 will depend on everybody keeping their hands clean with alcohol gel, wearing face masks and practising social distancing.
