Big jump in Covid-19 cases in Samut Sakhon, but situation 'not worrisome'
More than 2,000 people in Samut Sakhon province who might have been at risk of infection have been tested for Covid-19 and so far 13 people have been found positive, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul said on Friday evening.
The minister visited a prawn market in Samut Sakhon’s Mahachai subdistrict to follow up on investigations after a 67-year-old woman, who ran a seafood shop in the market, tested positive for Covid-19 on December 18 after showing symptoms on December 13.
“The Disease Control Department has tested most of the people who work in the market,” Anutin said.
“The department will continue testing more people to determine the scope of the virus spreading.”
Anutin added that His Majesty the King has granted three biosafety vehicles to test local residents around the market, while the ministry has provided 2,500 viral transport medium tubes, 2,500 nasopharyngeal swabs, Rapid Ab test kits, 100 personal protective equipment suits, 200 waterproof gowns, 500 surgical masks, 100 face shields as well as other equipment to officers carrying out the testing.
“It is estimated that there are around 4,000 people living around the market, most of whom are foreign labourers, while around 10 per cent of residents are Thai nationals,” said Anutin.
“The situation in the province is not yet worrisome, but people should wear face masks, wash their hands regularly and avoid going to crowded areas. If you reside near the market or are concerned, you can receive free testing at the mobile testing units.
“None of the patients who tested positive have shown serious symptoms and they are now being treated at Samut Sakhon and Krathum Baen hospitals in separated negative pressure rooms,” added Anutin.
“People can safely travel to Samut Sakhon or pass through it to other provinces.”