Border residents asked to monitor for migrants as Covid surges in Myanmar
The Public Health Ministry has asked residents in 10 border provinces to look out for migrants sneaking in from Myanmar, where Covid-19 infections are surging.
Dr Walairat Chaifoo, director of epidemiology at the Department of Disease Control, revealed on Wednesday that the outbreak is escalating in Myanmar, causing fear it could spread across the long border into Thailand.
Kanchanaburi province shares a jungle border with Mon state, which has reported 100 cases of Covid-19. The other Thai provinces bordering Myanmar are Mae Hong Son, Tak, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Ratchaburi, Petchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Ranong.
Walairat asked people living in the provinces to look out for illegal migrants being smuggled into the country.
She added that Thailand was now preparing for a second wave of Covid-19 infections, so people must maintain the “new normal” precautions to prevent the disease from spreading.
"Most of those infected with Covid-19 will not show symptoms and could be walking around in the community. If you do go outside, please wear masks, wash hands frequently, keep your distance from others, and check-in with Thai Chana for your safety," said Dr Walairat.
On Wednesday, Myanmar reported 592 new cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours. The country has recorded a total of 6,743 cases with 115 deaths.