382 new Covid-19 cases found, most of them linked to Samut Sakhon outbreak
There were 382 new Covid-19 cases following active testing of migrant workers in Samut Sakhon province, and in quarantine facilities, over a 24-hour period, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) reported on Monday.
Most of the cases (360) were migrant workers in Samut Sakhon, there were 14 domestic cases in Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Prakan, Bangkok and Tak provinces, while seven Thais and a foreigner tested positive in quarantine.
The new cases in quarantine facilities included one Thai, who had returned from the United Kingdom, three from the United States, one from United Arab Emirates, one from Ukraine, one from Kuwait, and a Sudanedese woman had travelled from her country.
Most of the domestic cases reported on Monday were linked to the Samut Sakhon outbreak in a shrimp market, except an asymptomatic beautician, 29, in Ayutthaya and a Myanmar cashier, 42, in Mae Sot district of Tak province.
Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, the spokesperson for the CCSA, revealed that more than 2,600 people were awaiting results of their tests and many more were waiting to be tested. A field hospital will be opened in Samut Sakhon with 100 beds for patients with severe symptoms to facilitate and treat workers, including providing food and necessities. The idea was inspired by Singapore which faced rising number of cases involving migrant workers.
A health officer reportedly said more than a thousand customers of the seafood markets in Samut Sakhon were to be tested.
He also asked for cooperation from Myanmar to tell their people to take a virus test for free and remain confined in specific areas to stop the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, 12 patients have recovered and been discharged.
The total number of confirmed cases in Thailand increased to 5,289 (1,373 in state quarantine), 1,176 are undergoing treatment in hospitals, 4,053 have recovered and been discharged and 60 have died.
According to Worldometer, as of 10am on Monday, the total number of confirmed cases had increased to 77.14 million (up by 532,471), 55 million have recovered, 21.38 million are active cases (106,202 in severe condition) and 1.7 million have died (up by 7,832).
Thailand ranks 150th for most cases in the world, while the US has the most number with 18.26 million, followed by India 10.05 million, Brazil 7.24 million, Russia 2.85 million and France 2.47 million.
Dr Taweesin said that a meeting between officers from the Public Health Ministry and the prime minister on Monday morning discussed new criteria for ordering of lockdowns for provincial governors to use when required.
Dr Vicharn Pawan, a specialist at the Disease Control Department, reported at the CCSA daily conference on the lastest situation in Samut Sakhon where the Central Shrimp Market and nearby areas have emerged as the source of the outbreak.
So far 821 positive cases have been found with links to Samut Sakhon. In other provinces, there are three cases in Samut Prakan, three in Saraburi, two in Bangkok and two in Nakhon Pathom (2).
Of the total, 788 active cases have been found in the Myanmar community and nearby areas. The operation has tested 4,688 people both Thais and foreigners and results have been available of 1,861.
There were 33 more cases of patients who had travelled to the market and had close contact with recently reported cases. This group went to hospitals on their own to be tested.
He urged people who had visited the Central Shrimp Market or risk areas in Samut Sakhon since December 1 to take a test for free or call DDC 1422 for advice.
He urged people to stay vigilant and not panic due to the high numbers. He said Thailand's health response systems are doing their jobs well.
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