The Ministry of Public Health revealed that new cases of COVID-19 have increased, as expected, after the Songkran holidays. In order to reduce the risk of infection, people should avoid close contact with the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. If symptoms occur, an ATK test should be performed. The Department of Disease Control has outlined measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for the public:

     1. Everyone should receive an annual COVID-19 vaccination, especially those in the target group for the flu vaccine. Both vaccine types can be received together starting in May 2023. This will help reduce severe illness and death. For those who are not well protected by the vaccine, they can receive Long-Acting Antibodies (LAAB), which can still be beneficial for those who have been vaccinated but are unable to develop immunity. The Department of Disease Control has distributed vaccines and LAABs to healthcare facilities under the Ministry of Public Health to administer to the public;

     2. Wear a mask in public places, especially when participating in activities or going to places with a large number of elderly people or patients with underlying diseases, such as hospitals and elderly care facilities;

     3. Take an ATK test when experiencing respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, or sore throat. If the result is positive, wear a mask when in close contact with others and avoid close contact with those with low immunity. If symptoms worsen, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately. For those in the “608 group” or those with low immunity, see a doctor for antiviral medication and close follow-up. In the case of a family member, friend, classmate, or colleague who took an ATK test and tests positive within 1-2 weeks, notify healthcare personnel to closely monitor and prevent the spread of the disease.

The measures for medical and public health personnel are as follows:

     1. Accelerating communication to the public and preparing for the annual COVID-19 vaccination, as well as influenza vaccination, especially for high-risk groups;

     2. Preparing medications, medical supplies, and beds to adequately support COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms;

     3. Every province is accelerating the monitoring and reporting of diseases, both in hospitals and communities, especially every COVID-19-related death. Samples of respiratory secretions are collected for RT-PCR testing and checking for strains by the Department of Medical Sciences, along with investigating relevant histories and reporting data within 24 hours;

     4. Every province is preparing a disease investigation team in every severe case and fatality, to determine the causes, risk factors for severity, and disease outbreaks that have cluster characteristics, especially in hospitals, schools, elderly care facilities, people with disabilities and disadvantages, military camps, prisons, and tourist groups, based on the specified criteria.

Source : Thai Health Reform Foundation
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