WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19

Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom  Ghebreyesus.

8 April 2020

Good morning, good afternoon and good evening.

Tomorrow marks 100 days since WHO was notified of the first cases of “pneumonia with unknown cause” in China.

It’s incredible to reflect on how dramatically the world has changed, in such a short period of time.

Today I’d like to give an overview of what WHO has done in the past 100 days, and what we will be doing in the near future to alleviate suffering and save lives.

On the 1st of January, just hours after we were notified of the first cases, WHO activated its Incident Management Support Team, to coordinate our response at headquarters, regional and country level.

On the 5th of January, WHO officially notified all Member States of this new outbreak, and published a disease outbreak news on our website.

On the 10th of January, we issued a comprehensive package of guidance to countries on how to detect, test and manage potential cases, and protect health workers.

On the same day, we convened our strategic and technical advisory group on infectious hazards to review the situation.

We have been engaging with journalists since the beginning, responding to media enquiries around the clock.

We convened the emergency committee on the 22nd of January, and again a week later, after the first cases of human-to-human transmission were reported outside China, and declared a public health emergency of international concern – our highest level of alarm. At the time there were 98 cases outside China, and no deaths.

In February an international team of experts from Canada, China, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Nigeria, the Russian Federation, Singapore and the United States of America visited affected provinces in China to learn more about the virus, the outbreak and the response, and to glean lessons for the rest of the world.

In early February the United Nations Crisis Management Team was activated, to coordinate the entire machinery the UN to support countries as effectively as possible.

Since then, we have been working day and night in five key areas.

First, we’ve worked to support countries in building their capacity to prepare and respond.

Through WHO’s network of 6 regional offices and 150 country offices, we’ve worked closely with governments around the world to prepare their health systems for COVID-19, and to respond when cases arrive.

We issued a Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, which identified the major actions countries need to take, and the resources needed to carry them out.

Governments and partners rose to the challenge. More than US$800 million has been pledged or received for the response.

That includes more than US$140 million from more than 229,000 individuals and organizations raised through the Solidarity Response Fund, exceeding all our expectations, and showing true global solidarity.

I’d like to thank all donors for their support, including Apple for its contribution of US$10 million.

To ensure this money is used where it’s needed most, we’ve set up an online portal, to help partners match needs with funds.

Second, we’ve worked with numerous partners to provide accurate information and fight the infodemic.

We’ve published 50 pieces of technical guidance for the public, health workers and countries, providing evidence-based advice on every element of the response.

We activated our global expert networks to tap the world’s leading epidemiologists, clinicians, social-scientists, statisticians, virologists, risk communicators and others, to make our response truly global and capture all the support we need from all over the world, from WHO experts and other experts in many other institutions globally.

Our EPI-WIN team has adapted our advice for individuals and communities, health workers, employers and workers, faith-based organizations and more about how to protect themselves and others.

Through our daily situation reports and these regular press briefings, we have kept the world informed about the latest data, information and evidence.

We have held regular briefings with our Member States, to answer their questions, and learn from their experiences.

We have worked with numerous media and tech companies including Facebook, Google, Instagram, LinkedIn, Messenger, Pinterest, SnapChat, Tencent, TikTok, Twitter, Viber, WhatsApp, YouTube and more to counter myths and misinformation with reliable, evidence-based advice.

The WhatsApp chatbot now has more than 12 million followers and is available in 7 languages, including Hindi and Portuguese, which are launching today. The Viber chatbot has more than 2 million followers, in three languages and four more to launch next week, reaching out to the citizens of the world, the person in the street, informing them with the latest information we have.

Just in the past two days we convened an online workshop to crowdsource ideas from over 600 experts, institutions and individuals on ways to combat the infodemic.

We have worked with FIFA and some of the world’s biggest sports stars to promote clean hands and physical activity.

And since we announced the One World: Together at Home concert with Lady Gaga and Global Citizen on Monday, more TV networks and online platforms from around the world have contacted us offering to broadcast the concert. Lady Gaga has informed us she has already raised US$35 million.

Third, we’re working hard to ensure supplies of essential medical equipment for frontline health workers.

So far, we’ve shipped more than 2 million items of personal protective equipment to 133 countries, and we’re preparing to ship another 2 million items in the coming weeks.

We’ve sent more than 1 million diagnostic tests to 126 countries, in all regions, and we’re sourcing more.

But we know much more is needed. This is not enough.

So we’re working with the International Chamber of Commerce, the World Economic Forum and others in the private sector to ramp up the production and distribution of essential medical supplies.

Today we are launching the UN COVID-19 Supply Chain Task Force, to dramatically scale up the supply of these life-saving tools, and match supply with needs. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for brining all UN agencies together to contribute to the Supply Chain Task Force.

Fourth, we’re working to train and mobilize health workers.

More than 1.2 million people have enrolled in 6 courses in 43 languages on our OpenWHO.org platform. Our target is to train tens of millions, and we have all the readiness to train tens of millions, hundreds of millions.

Experts have been deployed around the world through WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network and our Emergency Medical Teams platform.

And fifth, we’ve accelerated research and development.

In February we brought more than 400 of the world’s leading researchers together to identify and accelerate research priorities.

We launched the Solidarity Trial, with more than 90 countries working together to find effective therapeutics as soon as possible.

To better understand the transmission, epidemiology and clinical features of the virus, we have developed research protocols that are being used in more than 40 countries, in a coordinated way.

We’re working with FIND to accelerate development and access to diagnostics.

Today, 130 scientists, funders and manufacturers from around the world have signed a statement committing to work with WHO to speed the development of a vaccine against COVID-19.

Of course, WHO is not alone. The UN is not alone. Every day, we work with thousands of partners in government, academia, the private sector, civil society and more.

There are many, many other things WHO has done in the past 100 days that I haven’t mentioned.

These five pillars will continue to be the foundation of our work.

In the coming days, WHO will be releasing an updated strategy, and a revised Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, with an estimate of the financial needs for the next phase of the response.

Throughout, our focus has been on working with countries and with partners to bring the world together to confront this common threat together.

We are especially concerned with protecting the world’s poorest and most vulnerable, not just in the poorest countries, but in all countries.

For the past 100 days, our unwavering commitment has been to serve all people of the world with equity, objectivity and neutrality.

And that will continue to be our sole focus in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Finally, this is a special time of year for Christians, Jews and Muslims around the world.

Today WHO has published practical considerations and recommendations for faith-based communities.

We know that COVID-19 means billions of believers are not able to celebrate in the way they usually would.

But we wish everyone a safe and joyful Easter, Passover and Ramadan.

Thank you.

Phuket applies ‘active case finding’ to curb coronavirus (Covid-19)

Twenty-one new cases were reported in the past 24 hours. Among all 115 patients being treated in hospitals, three cases are critically-ill.

Phuket Island reported 21 new Covid-19 cases, raising the total cases to 161 as it has adopted the “active case finding” measure to screen patients with rapid testing.

Phuket governor, Pakkhapong Thawiphat presided over the meeting of the provincial communicable disease committee to follow up the Covid-19 situation in this southern resort province on Thursday.

Twenty-one new cases were reported in the past 24 hours. Among all 115 patients being treated in hospitals, three cases are critically-ill.

The total recovery cases are 45 while 104 suspected cases are waiting for lab test results.

All of 21 new infections are Thais, screened under the proactive approach, implemented by the Public Health Ministry for at-risk groups, who had close contact with previous patients or who worked in crowded places or worked closely with foreigners.

With tools, provided by the private sector, the province can conduct nasal swap to collect secretions of about 500 persons each day. The samples are sent to labs in Bangkok for coronavirus testing.

This is the best and effective way to screen for new cases and contain the spread of the virus, the governor said.

Meanwhile, the province also received 3,000 infrared human body temperature thermometers from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation for distribution to village heads and health volunteers, so they can conduct thermal scanning for villagers at homes. (TNA)

Chiang Rai under ‘Lockdown’ until April 30

Nine screening checkpoints are set up at district borders and the province has not found any new case for more than one week while six patients currently remain in hospitals in three districts.

CHIANG RAI – Chiang Rai governor ordered this northernmost province put under partial lockdown, starting today until April 30.

However, only four routes, connecting adjacent provinces remain opened for vehicles under strict screening by officials at entrance and exit checkpoints.

Those who are found with high fever or failing to wear face masks and migrant workers will be not allowed to enter the province.

Nine screening checkpoints are set up at district borders. The province has not found any new case of coronavirus for more than one week while six patients currently remain in hospitals in three districts. (TNA)

 

Thailand reports 54 new coronavirus cases, 2 more deaths on Thursday

The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), spokesman, Dr Thaweesin Wissanuyothin.

BANGKOK, April 9 (TNA) – Thailand reports 54 new Covid-19 infections, raising the total cases to 2,423 with two more deaths, bringing the toll to 32.

With 52 new recovery cases, the total of 940 patients recovered and they were released from hospitals, said Dr Thaweesin Wissanuyothin, spokesman of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).

Two new deaths are Thai men, aged 74 and 82 years old.

The rising number of new cases was seen in southern border provinces as five more Thai Muslims who returned from Indonesia and are now under state quarantine tested positive to the virus.

Phuket Island’s daily rate of new infections started to drop due to the strict measures in active case finding to prevent Covid-19 transmission.

New infections consist of 22 cases, having close contact with previous patients, three Thai returnees from overseas, eight working in crowded places or working with foreigners, four visiting crowded places such as markets, supermarkets and tourist sites and four medical and public health staff.

So far, 80 medical and public health staff have been infected with coronavirus in total.

Patients who seek medical treatment are warned not to conceal their travel history and information that could put healthcare professionals at risk of infections. (TNA)

Horse movement banned for 90 days due to AHS outbreak in Thailand

AHS deaths have been reported in Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chon Buri and Phetchaburi provinces in the past weeks.It is still unknown how the AHS or African plague outbreak has occurred for the first time in Thailand.

BANGKOK - Thailand has prohibited movement of horses for 90 days after an African Horse Sickness (AHS) outbreak has killed nearly 200 horses.

It is still unknown how the AHS or African plague outbreak has occurred for the first time in Thailand.  AHS deaths have been reported in Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chon Buri and Phetchaburi provinces in the past weeks.

The Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday instructed the Livestock Department and the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department to seek solutions to the viral disease.

Horse farms and owners have been invited to a meeting with related government agencies on Friday.

Some horse farm owners suspect zebras imported from Africa are the most likely source of the virus.

They called on livestock officials to trace the origin of AHS and listing AHS on the animal disease act to pave the way for strict enforcement of animal health regulations.  Many farms have threatened to file a lawsuit against the Livestock Department for failing to prevent the disease.

Livestock officials have said they are looking into the use of vaccine to prevent the viral disease by consulting experts and international organizations.(TNA) 

Talking about your feelings will lessen your distress on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 It is normal to feel fearful and anxious during Coronavirus (COVID-19). Talking about your feelings will lessen your distress.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Thanks health heroes for working 24/7 to keep us safe from the coronavirus

Thanks health heroes for working 24/7 to keep us safe from the coronavirus

World Health Organization (WHO)

Exposing yourself to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees

FACT: Exposing yourself to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees DOES NOT prevent COVID-19.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Q&A: Coronavirus - Are there any risks from interacting with animals?

Q: Are there any risks from interacting with animals or consuming animal products?

A: There is no evidence of any animal including pets playing a role in the spread of the virus. As a general practice when caring for any kind of animals, always wash your hands before and after interacting with them.

Meat from healthy livestock that is cooked thoroughly remains safe to eat. Fish and aquatic products normally domestically traded and in conformity with national and international food safety requirements attesting a safe and hygienic production are also safe to eat.

People should not handle, slaughter, dress, sell, prepare or consume any animal protein that originates from wild animals or livestock that are sick or that have died from unknown causes. Raw wild meat or uncooked dishes based on the blood of wild animals should not be consumed. These practices place people at high risk of contracting any number of infections.

Any unusual morbidity or mortality of animals should be reported to the animal health authorities.

FAO urges animal owners to treat their animals humanely. Misleading information exists on the possible risks posed by animals in the virus’s spread.

(Sources: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations / www.fao.org)

World Health Organization (WHO)

Temporary Ban on All International Flights to Thailand (No. 2)

Public Announcement

The Notification of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand on Temporary Ban on All International Flights to Thailand (No. 2)

6 April 2020

The Notification of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand on Temporary Ban on All International Flights to Thailand (No. 2)

In reference to the Notification of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand Re: Temporary Ban on All International Flights to Thailand issued on 3 April 2020 for the prevention and control of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID – 19) Outbreak.

In order to maintain the continuity of the prevention and control measures, by virtue of Section 27 and 28 of the Air Navigation Act B.E. 2497, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand hereby issue the following orders:

1. All international passenger flights to Thailand will be banned from 6 April 2020 at 17.00 UTC to 18 April 2020 at 17.00 UTC.

2. All flight permits granted to international passenger flights for such period will be canceled.

3. The ban on 1. does not apply to the following:

            (1) State or military aircraft

            (2) Emergency landing

            (3) Technical landing without disembarkation

            (4) Humanitarian aid, medical and relief flights

            (5) Repatriation flights

            (6) Cargo flights

4. The passengers on board the aircraft leaving the airport of departure before the entry into force of the Notification will subject to 14-day quarantine under the contiguous disease law and the regulation under the Emergency Decree on State of Emergency B.E. 2548.

With immediate effects until further notice.

Issued on 6 April B.E. 2563 (2020)

Chula Sukmanop

Director General

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand

(Caat.or.th)

Northern Thailand officials on duty around the clock to put out forest fires

The forest fire situation in the nine northern provinces has started to improve, with the number of hot spots decreasing by about 50 percent.

CHIANG MAI - The Governor of Chiang Mai, Charoenrit Sanguansat, had a meeting with related units to discuss the forest fire situation at Doi Suthep - Pui National Park, after nearby areas were hit by fires several times last week. Although officials have been able to extinguish the blazes, new fires have flared up. The officials have now been conducting fire-fighting operations in seven areas for three days.

The Chiang Mai governor also received a gift basket and financial support from the deputy minister of interior, Niphon Bunyamanee. They will be presented to Pairoj Pattamathaworn, a firefighter who was injured while on duty.

The forest fire situation in the nine northern provinces has started to improve, with the number of hot spots decreasing by about 50 percent, from 674 to 336, thanks to the firefighters, who have all been working around the clock. They are closely monitoring fire-prone areas in Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Tak and Chiang Rai provinces. Since March 30 this year, 72 people have been arrested for starting fires. There have now been 454 cases altogether.

On Tuesday, the Governor of Chiang Rai, Prajon Prachsakul, said officials arrested three more suspects for causing forest fires between April 5 and 7.

According to the Pollution Control Department, levels of PM2.5 in the air measured between 34 and 179 micrograms per cubic meter in the North Wednesday morning. The air quality indicator was red, which indicates very unhealthy conditions, in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai province and Chiang Dao district of Chiang Mai province. PM2.5 levels were above the safe limit in the provinces of Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Phrae, Nan, Phayao, Tak, Uttaradit, Phichit and Kamphaeng Phet. (NNT)

Thai government prepares for returnees, 14-day quarantine quarters

Thai people in other countries who wish to return home at this time must report to Thai embassies and prepare all required documents.

BANGKOK - The Thai government has prepared to receive Thai nationals returning from abroad by taking into consideration the number of returnees and Thailand’s capacity on communicable disease control.

Following the government’s decision to extend a ban on incoming flights to Thailand until April 18, to help contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the information has been spread on the media that the number of Thai nationals arriving from other countries will be limited to 200 passengers per day.

The Foreign Ministry clarified that the decision to restrict the number of Thai arrivals was made by a joint meeting of relevant government agencies to support the efficient management of inbound passengers and the government’s 14-day quarantine measure.

Different agencies have coordinated with Thai embassies and consulates-general to ensure that Thai nationals in their respective countries receive proper assistance. The authorities have integrated their work to manage Thai arrivals in accordance with the policy of Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha.

The Spokesman for the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, made clear that Thai people in other countries who wish to return home at this time must report to Thai embassies and prepare all required documents. The authorities will prepare facilities and personnel to look after them to prevent problems for all sides. (NNT)

Chiang Rai authorities aid workers from Myanmar to return home after border closure

 

Myanmar border crossing in Chiang Rai sealed off in an effort to stop the transmission of coronavirus disease.

CHIANG RAI - As borders closed, many migrant workers from Myanmar working in Thailand tried to return to their country. Some didn’t make it in time, and are now stranded at the Mae Sai Thailand-Myanmar border crossing in Chiang Rai, waiting for Myanmar authorities to reopen the border.

The authorities decided to seal off the border in an effort to stop the transmission of coronavirus disease or COVID-19.

The stranded workers have been held in quarantine for a period of time at Phra That Doi Wao temple in Mae Sai district. Myanmar authorities allowed them to cross the border from Thailand. 23 vehicles were used to transport workers from the temple to the second Thailand-Myanmar Friendship bridge connecting Mae Sai with Myanmar’s Tachileik province.

181 Myanmar workers plus 10 Myanmar nationals received a medical screening while crossing the border. None of them showed any obvious symptoms of COVID-19. They are now in a quarantine facility in Myanmar located approximately two kilometers from the border, where they will be held for 14 days.

Myanmar authorities have announced they will not allow any person to cross the border until 15th April, as they are waiting for their quarantine facility to free up. There are still a number of Myanmar nationals left in Chiang Rai, which is expected to be the final group, as the province’s communicable diseases committee has already banned transportation of migrant workers into the province.(NNT)

Thai PM visits hotel contributed for coronavirus quarantine facility

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha inspected the quarantine operation at the facility and gave moral support to state officials and hotel staff.

BANGKOK - Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha made an unscheduled visit to one of Covid-19 quarantine facilities in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Prayut met with disease control officials at a hotel in Bangkok’s Rama IX area that has been turned into a state quarantine facility for Thai returnees from overseas.

He inspected the quarantine operation at the facility and gave moral support to state officials and hotel staff.

 

 A group photo with disease control medical staff at the hotel.

The prime minister asked them about problems they faced to ensure safety of the people put under the mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Prayut praised the hotel management for contributing to the efforts to fight the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

Thai PM walks around the hotel in Bangkok that has been turned into a state quarantine facility for Thai returnees from overseas. 

Government officials said Prayut intended to learn firsthand information on state quarantine facilities before a daily meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Thursday.

Since the government has declared state of emergency since March 26, all travelers including Thai returnees are required to take a 14-day state quarantine. (TNA)

Thailand’s proactive coronavirus (COVID-19) tests for Bangkok

The Department of Disease Control, director-general, Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai.

NONTHABURI - The Department of Disease Control will apply a proactive approach of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tests in Bangkok.

Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, director-general of the department, said at the Ministry of Public Health that officials would test groups of people in COVID-19-spreading areas in the capital to find infected people and effectively contain the disease.

The disease spread at entertainment venues in Thong Lor area and there were also returnees from other countries in the capital, he said.

Proactive tests were already implemented in Phuket where the disease spread at entertainment places on its Bang La Road. More than 1,500 people there were tested, Dr Suwannachai said.

Of 111 new local COVID-19 cases announced on Wednesday, 69 contracted the disease locally and 42 other patients returned from other countries, he said.

All returnees must be quarantined at specific places for 14 days to control the disease no matter whether they are ill or not. The government prepared 1,883 rooms for quarantine consisting of 136 rooms of the state and 1,747 rooms of the private sector. Now 1,400 rooms are vacant, Dr Suwannachai said. (TNA)

Foreign Ministry guarantees good care for Thais stranded overseas

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Cherdkiat Atthakor.

BANGKOK- The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that Thai embassies and consulates-general take good care of Thai people stranded in other countries. He advised them to be ready for their return in the future.

Cherdkiat Atthakor, the spokesman and director-general of the Department of Information, said at Government House that Thai people stranded in other countries had to meet requirements before being allowed to board a flight back to Thailand. The requirements included thorough examinations.

“Embassies coordinate help for people stranded in many countries. They will gradually return to Thailand. Today the embassy in Tokyo provided assistance for stranded Thai passengers. They will be screened and later quarantined for 14 days. Yesterday people stranded in South Korea were helped. The government really cares about the group of people because they are affected by a ban on inbound flights,” said the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Affected people could seek help from Thai embassies and consulates-general via their website and hotline numbers and also through the Facebook page of the ministry, he said.

“Embassies are concerned about many Thai people in India, Australia and New Zealand who want to return to Thailand. Embassies are contacting the people and their communities. They can return to Thailand after April 18. They must have fit-to-fly health certificates, letters from respective embassies and air tickets,” Mr Cherdkiat said.

He said that although the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand banned inbound flights until April 18, flights from Japan and South Korea were allowed to visit Thailand because they had sought approval before the ban. (TNA)

 

Thailand, US exchange moral support to fight coronavirus (COVID-19)

New US ambassador to Bangkok Michael George DeSombre paid a courtesy visit tothe Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House on Wednesday.

Both sides discussed economic cooperation that would play very important roles in economic rehabilitation after the COVID-19 pandemic.

BANGKOK - Thailand and the United States exchanged moral support for each other to fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The exchange happened when new US ambassador to Bangkok Michael George DeSombre paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House on Wednesday to introduce himself.

The prime minister welcomed the ambassador and sent his moral support to US President Donald Trump, wishing quick development in disease control in the US.

The ambassador expressed his support for disease control measures in Thailand and extended gratitude for the government’s good care for American citizens in the country.

 

Photo:

 

Both praised good bilateral ties including those in security and public health fields as the biggest overseas office of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is in Thailand. The prime minister hoped both countries maintained close relations in all aspects. Besides, he thanked the US for donating personal protective equipment (PPE) suits to Thailand.

Both sides discussed economic cooperation that would play very important roles in economic rehabilitation after the COVID-19 pandemic. The prime minister saw much room for both countries to develop their economic cooperation.

On the occasion, the US ambassador promised to work hard to promote bilateral economic partnership. (TNA)

 

Thailand reports 111 new Coronavirus cases with 3 more deaths on Wednesday

 

Three new deaths consist of a 48-year-old Russian man, who visited Phuket and retuned to Chonburi’s Pattaya where he sought medical treatment. The other two were 69-year-old Indian businessman and 69-year-old American man.

BANGKOK - Thailand reports 111 new Covid-19 infections, bringing the total to 2,369 with three more deaths, raising the toll to 30.

After the country had seen a drop in the number of new Covid-19 infections to below 100 in the past two days, the daily rate of the new cases on Wednesday rose to 111, including 42 Thai Muslims who returned from Islamic ceremonies in Indonesia.

Three new deaths consist of a 48-year-old Russian man, who visited Phuket and retuned to Chonburi’s Pattaya where he sought medical treatment. 

Another death is a 69-year-old Indian businessman with underlying health conditions of diabetes and heart disease. 

The last death is a 69-year-old American man, who had chronic kidney disease. 

Out of 2,369 patients in total, 888 cases recovered and were discharged from hospitals. (TNA)

 

Their Majesties the King and the Queen donate medical equipment for coronavirus relief

Their Majesties the King and the Queen granted an audience to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Cabinet ministers at Grand Palace in Bangkok on Monday.

 

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha along with Cabinet ministers received a royal grant to present the crisis update at the Grand Palace.

BANGKOK, April 7 - His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Majesty Queen Suthida have donated ventilators and other medical equipment for hospitals to support their Covid-19 relief efforts.

Their Majesties granted an audience to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Cabinet ministers at Grand Palace in Bangkok on Monday.

 

Ventilators and medical equipment to be handed to hospitals in coronavirus relief.

The Prime Minister reported to the King the current Covid-19 situation in the country and his government’s response to the crisis.

 

Current coronavirus situation in the country and government’s response to the crisisevidence were presented to Their Majesties the King and the Queen.

 The royally donated items included 132 ventilators, two million face masks, 4,000 PPEs, 30,000 face shields and other medical equipmentfor state hospitals and those of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the Royal Thai Police. (TNA) 

 

132 ventilators, two million face masks, 4,000 PPEs, 30,000 face shields and other medical equipment will be distributed to hospitals in Bangkok and many provinces.

HRH Princess Sirindhorn assigns ‘Chaipattana Foundation’ to set up fund to fight Coronavirus

The Chaipattana Foundation sets up fund to support the procurement of medical equipment and supplies for hospitals and health care providers who are treating patients with Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other diseases.

BANGKOK - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has instructed the Chaipattana Foundation to set up a fund to help hospitals and health care providers in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The fund is to support the procurement of medical equipment and supplies for hospitals and health care providers who are treating patients with COVID-19 and other diseases.

Donations can be made by transferring money to Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) account 067-300487-3. For more information, please call 02-447-8585 to 8, extensions 109, 121 or 259, in normal office hours during the week.

Fund donation bank account and telephone numbers to inquire further information.

Donations to this fund are tax deductible, with donors required to provide a donation receipt, together with their name and contact information to [email protected], through fax number 02-447-8574 or through the postal service. The address of the Office of the Chaipattana Foundation is 2012, Arun AmarinSoi 36, Arun Amarin road, Bang Yikhan subdistrict, Bang Phlat district, Bangkok, 10700.(NNT)

Thai Cabinet to push2020 academic year’s new semester to July

 

The Government Spokeswoman, Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat.

BANGKOK - The Government Spokeswoman, Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, said the cabinet meeting acknowledged the Ministry of Education’s proposal to defer the start of the new semester to July 1, in an effort to help the nation contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The postponement is in accordance with the invocation of the state of emergency from March 26 to April 30 and Section 9 of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548 (2005), which urges members of the public to stay home at this time.

As a result, registration, examination and other educational activities cannot take place between March and May this year, and educational institutions won’t be able to resume classes on May 16.

The proposal is in line with the Ministry of Education’s rule on the academic year’s opening and closing dates.

The Ministry of Education will adjust teaching methods in accordance with the curriculum of the 2020 academic year, and will work closely with the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration.(NNT)

Thailand reports 38 new cases, fewer daily count after April 3 curfew

The Spokesman for the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin.

BANGKOK - The Spokesman for the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, said on Tuesday that Thailand now has an accumulated total of 2,258 confirmed cases in 66 provinces. The total number of recovered patients is 824, while the death toll has risen to 27. The country has reported fewer new cases, after the curfew started on April 3. All sides are working together, as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to accumulate.

Most recent patients had close contact with previous cases, including families, friends, work colleagues and those returning from other countries, at-risk areas or crowded places. Twenty-five of the new cases are in Bangkok.

Bangkok has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases at 1,201, followed by Phuket province at 138, Nonthaburi province at 134 and Samut Prakan at 99.

Most people have followed the enforcement of the curfew. However, more people are starting to leave their houses when compared to the first few days of the curfew.

Due to a temporary ban on international flights to Thailand, some Thai nationals are stranded in foreign airports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has coordinated with Thai embassies and consulates-general to bring them back home. They will soon board flights that will take foreign tourists back to their countries. Concerning the 24 Thais in Indonesia who developed flu-like symptoms, the Thai government has contacted the Indonesian government to follow up on their situation. The 24 Thais will be able to return home after they have recovered.(NNT)

Thailand celebrates Establishment of Chakri Dynasty on Monday (April 6)

Provinces join the celebration of the Chakri Day, the day King Rama I accession to the throne on April 6, 1782.

BANGKOK- Across the country, provinces held ceremonies celebrating Chakri Memorial Day, honouring King Rama Iaccession as king and commemorating the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty.

At King Rama V Monument in front of Nonthaburi provincial hall, Governor Sujin Chaichumsak presided over the wreath laying ceremony, during which he led participants in delivering their speeches of tribute, on Chakri Memorial Day.

At the Town Hall in Sukhothai, the province today held a commemorative ceremony for Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok or King Rama I, the first king of the Rattanakosin Era and Bangkok, and founder of the Chakri Dynasty.

In Chanthaburi, the provincial governor attended the Chakri Memorial Day ceremony, where social distancing practices were enforced to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.

In Krabi, a wreath laying and tribute delivering ceremony was held today, before the royal portrait of King Rama I, expressing the people’s loyalty and appreciation of the Thai monarchy.(NNT)

Additional Informationn

Prior to the founding of the dynasty, Rama I held for years the title Chakri, the title of the civil chancellor. In founding the dynasty, the king himself chose "Chakri" as the name for the dynasty. The emblem of the dynasty is composed of the discus (Chakra) and the trident (Trisula), the celestial weapons of god Vishnu and Shiva, of whom the Thai sovereign is seen as an incarnation.

The current head of the house is Maha Vajiralongkorn who was proclaimed king on 1 December 2016, but has reigned with retroactive effect since 13 October 2016 after the death of Bhumibol Adulyadej. The house's current dynastic seat is the Grand Palace. On Saturday, 4th May 2019, a grand traditional ceremony occurred for the coronation of Vajiralongkorn in Bangkok..
(wikipedia.org)
 

Thai military officers patrol risk areas in Chiang Mai to prevent forest fires

 

Four checkpoints set up to prevent people from entering forest areas in Doi Suthep and Doi Pui National Parks, and at the entrance to Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan Temple.

CHIANG MAI - Hotspots have continued to aggravate the forest fire situation in Chiang Mai. The Disaster Relief Center, of the 33rd Military Circle, has dispatched military officers to patrol forest areas to prevent and extinguish forest fires throughout Chiang Mai province.

The Disaster Relief Center, of the 33rd Military Circle, has been cooperating with relevant agencies in the province to man 19 forest protection teams to patrol risk areas in Chiang Mai to prevent illegal forest burning. There are now four checkpoints to prevent people from entering forest areas in Doi Suthep and Doi Pui National Parks as well as at the entrance to Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan Temple. The military officers also patrol forest areas in Chiang Dao district. Each day, they patrol forest areas, construct firebreaks, extinguish forest fires, set up checkpoints and raise awareness of the danger of forest fires in at least 100 areas.

Mr Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNRE), has extended his condolences and provided moral support to family members of the officers and volunteers who died while extinguishing forest fires. He has instructed the relevant agencies to provide every assistance to families of the deceased. The MNRE will allow one child or one grandchild of the deceased to work for the Royal Forest Department or the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.(NNT)

Thai government denies 24-hour curfew social media rumor

 A 24-hour curfew would have severe impacts to people, Government spokeswoman, Narumon Pinyosinwat said after there has been a rumor shared in the last few days among the social media.

BANGKOK, April 6 - The government spokeswoman denies any reports that the government will impose a 24-hour curfew. She said the possibility is a longer period expanded from the 10pm-4am curfew.

Government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said the reports that the government would impose a 24-hour curfew were not true.

The permanent secretary for interior only ordered provincial governors to prepare treatment facilities and prevent any party from hoarding up products. The order was abused to support the 24-hour curfew rumor, she said.

 

Government spokeswoman, Narumon Pinyosinwat.

“The government is only preparing assistance for affected people. The public should neither panic nor stockpile products. A 24-hour curfew would have severe impacts,” Ms Narumon said.

She quoted Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam as saying earlier that it was possible to extend curfew hours. If there is any more measure, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will announce it by himself, Ms Narumon said.

The present curfew was set from 10pm to 4am in order to control the coronavirus disease 2019. It was imposed after some people resisted previous disease control measures, she said. (TNA)

Chiang Mai tops list of most polluted cities on Monday

Chiang Mai was hit by hazardous levels of air pollution as forest fires sent PM2.5 levels up between 193-644 micrograms per cubic meter of air, exceeding the safe level of 50 micrograms. 

CHIANG MAI - Chiang Mai province on Monday became the most polluted city in the world, according to AirVisual, due to farm burning and bush fires.

The northern province of Thailand was hit by hazardous levels of air pollution as forest fires sent PM2.5 levels up between 193-644 micrograms per cubic meter of air, exceeding the safe level of 50 micrograms.

 

Burning of farm waste during the past weeks sends Chiang Mai to the top of the most polluted cities in the world list on Monday. 

The worst hit area was that in the vicinity of Wiang Haeng Hospital where the air monitoring website reported PM2.5 level peaked at 644 micrograms.

 At the famous ancient ruin Ta Phae Gate, PM2.5 that can cause coronary disease rose to 300 micrograms.

Since last week, forest fires that erupted at several areas including in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park have sent thick smog blanketing many provinces in the north.

 Burning of farm waste has continued to exacerbate the pollution problem.(TNA)

 

The worst hit area was that in the vicinity of WiangHaeng Hospital where the air monitoring website reported PM2.5 level peaked at 644 micrograms.

Thai PM’s measures summarized statement given on April 2, 2020

The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of social distancing and called on everyone to “Stay Home, Stop Spreading Disease for the Nation”.

Thai Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha delivered a statement on April 2, 2020 to update on the implementation progress of Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), gist of which is as follows:

-The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of social distancing and called on everyone to “Stay Home, Stop Spreading Disease for the Nation”. He will also put utmost effort in ensuring adequacy of the medical equipment and supplies to be provided to hospitals in all areas.

-The Prime Minister affirmed that there are enough beds and medicine for all COVID-19 infected patients. The Government also plans to import additional medicines in case that the situation gets worsened. COVID-19 infected patients are considered “emergency patients”, so their medical fees will be subsidized by the national health security fund, social security fund, and civil servant welfare fund for medical treatment.

-The Government adheres to the “health comes before freedom” principle in its preventive and assisting measures with an aim to minimize commuting, people transportation, and mass gatherings. In light of this, the Prime Minister has made an announcement for a nationwide “curfew” during 2200-0400hrs. Exception is made for medical and banking personnel, as well as logistic workers handling consumer products, farm goods, pharmaceutical products, medical supplies and equipment, newspapers, petrol, postal parcels, or products to be imported or exported, as well as people working normal night shifts or those heading to or from airports with necessary documents stating the purposes. The curfew will be taken into effect from April 3, 2020 onward.

-The Prime Minister also ordered an establishment of an operation center for public distribution of mask and medical supplies, and a center for goods control to prevent hoarding and profiteering of medical supplies and goods. Those who commit hoarding of goods will be subject to imprisonment of not exceeding 7 years or fine (not over 140,000 Baht).

-Economic stimulus measures that have already been implemented include the 5,000-Baht subsidy for 3 months for over 9 million daily workers/freelancers/informal workers, refund of deposit for electricity and water use, reduction of electricity and water fees for 3 months, debt moratorium for house and car mortgage payment, extension of pawn ticket payment, reduction of credit card minimum payment, reduction of employee social security contribution rate to 1% for 3 months, and a number of tax measures to alleviate the plight of entrepreneurs.

-CCSA also set up an operation center to manage traveling in and out of the country and care of overseas Thais. Those who wish to enter Thailand are urged to delay their travel for now until April 15. If there is an urgent need, they may immediately seek advice from a Thai embassy or a consulate.

-CCSA has set a ‘single voice’ system to ensure communication clarity and prevent public confusion during the crisis. A nationwide live telecast will be conducted by CCSA Spokesperson or an authorized person via all channels on a daily basis after CCSA meeting in the morning. The media of all forms are urged to exercise discretion and caution in their communication, and to disseminate only the information and data released by CCSA.

(thaigov.go.th)

Thailand’s Krabi intensifies measures to combat the spread of coronavirus

Closure of entry and exit points, closure of risk areas, and a curfew time are among several measures put in place with immediate effect until further notice.

Bangkok, 05 April, 2020, at 08.00 Hrs. – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide a summary of Krabi province’s measures and restrictions to combat the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), effective from 22.00 Hrs. of last night, 4 April, 2020, until further notice.

1. Closure of all entry and exit points from 4-30 April, 2020. A night-time curfew is imposed from 22.00 – 04.00 Hrs. and will be in place until the situation improves.

Exceptions are made for: medical and banking personnel; logistics workers transporting consumer goods, agricultural produce, pharmaceutical products, medical supplies and equipment, newspapers, fuel, post, products bound for export and imported goods; the mobilization of people to quarantine venues; people working night shifts, and people travelling to or from the airport – all of whom must have proof of their journey.

Additional exceptions are made at the entry and exit points for residents and non-residents, emergency patients and patients with follow-up medical visits, and people required to appear in courts – all of whom must have proof of their journey and a ‘fit to travel’ certificate issued no less than 72 hours and must receive permission from the local communicable disease control officer at the checkpoints.

2. Closure of additional venues and business establishments

Hotels, resorts and similar establishments, with the exception of hotels designated as hospitals and emergency venues. Any hotels currently occupied are required to relocate their guests to the official designated venues by 10 April, 2020, and to be closed immediately after. During the mobilization of the guests, hotels are required to report the details of all guests to the local authorities. Any guest deemed at risk will be isolated and transferred to a designated hospital for quarantine or treatment.

Convenience stores, retail shops, community shops and similar shops in shopping malls, department stores and hyper marts, as well as restaurants and beverage shops are allowed to be open for business from 05.00-20.00 Hrs. and must comply with health measures as guided by the Ministry of Public Health.

Markets and weekend markets are allowed to open for business from 04.00-11.00 Hrs. specifically for the sales of fresh and dried food, ready meals – takeaway only – pet food, pharmacies, flowers, medical supplies, and essential goods used in daily life.

Bike rental shops and similar services, which are allowed to be partially opened, are required to strictly comply with the health measures and social distancing rules.

3. Closure of the bus station under The Transport Co., Ltd., and the order for bus operators on the routes to and from Krabi to temporarily suspend their services.

4. Closure of specific areas, with the exceptions for medical and banking personnel; logistics workers transporting consumer goods, agricultural produce, pharmaceutical products, medical supplies and equipment, newspapers, fuel, post, products bound for export and imported goods; the mobilization of people to quarantine venues; people working night shifts, and people travelling to or from the airport – all of whom must have proof of their journey.

A ban on the entry and exit of the area within MueangKrabi District. For Ko Phi Phi and Ao Nang Sub-district, all chartered vehicles, buses and similar services, chartered boats, long-tail boats, and speedboats are banned from entering or leaving the areas.

A ban on the entry and exit of the area within Ko Lanta District, and all chartered vehicles, buses and similar services, long-tail boats, speedboats and ferries are banned from entering or leaving the areas. Exception is made for logistics ferries.

A ban on the entry and exit of the area within Plai Phraya District.

5. All residents of Krabi are required to wear surgery or cloth masks when leaving their residence, maintain a two-metre distance, and avoid a gathering of more than five people.

TAT is constantly providing updates on the tourism-related COVID-19 situation in Thailand at the TAT Newsroom (https://www.tatnews.org/). For additional information and assistance relating to Thailand’s tourism, contact the TAT Contact Centre 1672 or Tourist Police 1155.

For constant updates of Thailand’s COVID-19 control measures for travelers, please visit https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/index.php.

This press release is published on 05 April, 2020, at 08.00 Hrs. All information is accurate at the current time but can be changed depending on the situation. The TAT Newsroom will not be updating this press release but will issue new updates as soon as further information becomes available.

Thai Prime Minister's statement on essential measures against coronavirus

The Prime Minister and Director of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), Prayuth Chan-o-cha.

Dear Thai people,
As Prime Minister and Director of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA),I wish to report to you the following developments:

Public Health and Medical Issues: Social distancing is most important now and we all should stay home to prevent the further spread of the virus. Please listen to advice/instructions from doctors. Medical personnel throughout the country urgently need support in the form of medical equipment, supplies, and masks. Of paramount importance is to have an efficient and effective system where such items are readily available to them in every hospital across all areas. I will oversee this issue directly so that all our heroic medical staff, who are in the frontlines of this battle and have given their all, will be ensured of such equipment and support. This includes our unwavering encouragement and confidence for their outstanding efforts.  

I ensure you that we have enough medicines for the treatment of the virus and we have a plan ready to acquire more from overseas should the situation escalate. Please rest assured that all patients will have medication and hospital beds for their care according to international standards. Additional rooms, should they be needed, are available from several hostels and hotels, who have kindly pledged assistance. In addition, as all patients with this virus are considered as emergency cases, there are 3 government funds that will be used to pay for their medical expenses, namely the National Health Security Fund, the Social Security for Medical Treatment Fund, and the Civil Servant Benefits for Medical Treatment Fund.

Protecting the public and security issues:  We need to understand that limiting traveling, movement of peoples, meetings, and large gatherings are essential to prevent the further increase of infected persons, especially in risk-prone areas. 

Several areas have already implemented tighter controls according to situation developments and recommendations by medical personnel. Some provinces have already imposed curfews and restrictions on opening times for shops, including time allowed outside homes to curb the spread of virus, such as in Phuket and other southern border provinces. We have to take these controls seriously, even though they will inconvenience us, but we all have to adapt to survive and get through this crisis.

We all need to take responsibility for each other. Therefore, to prevent the further spread of this virus and to limit the movement of people, a curfew will be imposed from 22.00hrs to 04.00hrs throughout the Kingdom of Thailand.

There will be exceptions for necessary cases, medical personnel, bank staff, and the transport of necessary consumer items including medical equipment, supplies, and petrol.  Exceptions will also be for workers who need to work particular time shifts and travelers to and from all airports, with permission required from local authorities. This will be effective from 3 April 2020 at 22.00hrs. Please do not panic and hoard consumer items. People will still be able to buy items normally during the day time, but please strictly observe social distancing.

Controlling consumer prices: I have given orders for the establishment of a centre to distribute masks and medical supplies to the people, as well as a centre to ensure the control of consumer item prices. I wish to reiterate that I will not allow for anyone to hoard essential supplies or take advantage of the situation and further distress the people. So far, since the government has been strictly enforcing the pertaining laws (through investigations by officials into the production and selling of essential items), we have arrested many culprits. They will received their due penalties. The penalty for hoarding such items is harsh and could involve imprisonment of up to 7 years or a fine of up to 140,000 baht, or both. If any citizen is aware or has information on such activity, you can inform the government by telephone number 1135.  

Assistance for those economically affected: The government has already introduced several measures for employees and business owners to mitigate the economic impacts from the Covid19 situation, such as:  the 5000 baht per month scheme for 3 months for free-lance workers totaling about 9 million people now, deposit returns for electricity bills and public water works, and the reduction of electricity and public water fees for 3 months. These measures are just the beginning and more will come. We will introduce an ease on interest payments for mortgages, automobile installments, an extension of payment on pawned items, and the reduction of minimum payment on credit card bills. Workers in the social security scheme will only pay 1% for 3 months. For business owners and SMEs, the government will provide assistance and reduce your expenses, including assistance to manage your existing debts to avoid NPL status through taxation and monetary adjustments. We will leave no one behind.

On foreign affairs: The CCSA has set up a centre to handle entry and exit of persons to the country and the care for Thai citizens abroad, which has enhanced strict screening mechanisms for travelers to and from Thailand. This is to prevent newly infected persons from entering the country. Since the declaration of the State of Emergency, no foreigners have been able to enter Thailand, except for diplomatic officials, those with work permits, and air crew. As for our citizens who are still abroad, we will take care of you and will amend the previous anomalies in the process for those who wish to return to Thailand. If you wish to travel back, you will need to undergo a screening process and a strict quarantine and observation period upon your return. 

Nevertheless, at this time, I ask for your cooperation to consider delaying your return from today until 15 April 2020, to protect the health of the Thai people and other travelers who wish to return, so that our officials can set up a system to prepare for your arrival. If returning is absolutely necessary please contact and Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General immediately.  

Another important issue is communications in a crisis situation to maintain public confidence and for people to be able to work with clarity and in unison. The Centre has established a communications network that works independently and with a single voice. We have a daily press briefing following the Centre’s meeting, which has been broadcasting live through all outlets, with the Centre’s Spokesman or a delegated person solely responsible. Please avoid interviews with those who have not been authorised by the Centre to dispense information. I ask for the media and social media outlets to be cautious in their communications and use only information provided by the Centre. Please refrain from communications or distorted information that may cause unrest or mislead people. This includes fake news and the dispensing of false information (whether intentionally or not) that will affect our national security, which involves severe penalties during this time of Emergency. Therefore, we all need to do our part and not share information that is not verified or confirmed. Useful information should be communicated, such as government recommendations and guidelines, and volunteer activities.
In this time of crisis, we have brought in many experts, volunteers from the medical, technological, communications and business sectors, to work together to find comprehensive solutions to the problems we are facing. I deeply appreciate all the volunteers who have taken action and have unified to work for our country and the people. This also includes all the charitable donations of money, supplies, and food, and overwhelming moral support. There have been many touching gestures as well, such as slogans, clips, and billboards – all expressing solidarity and encouragement. This ‘Thai kindness’ will be essential for our overcoming this crisis.
Results so far: The situation now is that we have been able to prevent the spread of the virus to a certain level, in comparison with some other countries. But the ultimate goal is to eliminate this virus from Thailand as soon as we can so that everyone can be safe. Therefore, we cannot be careless, and we must prevent new infections and reduce the number of all infected persons to “zero”.  We have to carefully monitor the situation and continuously enforce strict measures. Some areas may need to apply stronger measures based on their own situations and medical recommendations. I emphasise for all people to maintain social distancing and to stay at home to reduce the burdens on our medical staff who have been working tirelessly to save lives and curb the spread of the virus throughout the past months. If we are resilient and disciplined as a people, we will overcome this.
Lastly, I wish to thank all the officials, especially our medical personnel, who have displayed perseverance, bravery, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to help our people. They have risked their lives and have faced many difficulties. You are deeply appreciated by myself and the Thai people and you are in our hearts. Please rest assured that I will do everything I can to get our country and the Thai people through this most difficult time. Let us fight back together, we must win over this.

(thaigov.go.th)

Global Situation – Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) – Death Toll: 65,600

Global Situation – Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) as of April 05, 05:04 PM

(Sources: Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health of Thailand Official Website)

Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) Thailand Situation, Confirmed case: 2,169, Death: 23

Thai police warn of punishments against ’10 p.m. – 4 a.m.’ curfew violators

 The Royal Thai Police spokesman, Pol Lt Gen Piya Uthayo.

BANGKOK- The national curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. starts tonight, as a measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease or COVID-19. The police have warned that those going out during curfew hours without a valid reason will be prosecuted.

The Royal Thai Police Spokesman Pol Lt Gen Piya Uthayo said on Friday that members of the general public are not allowed to leave home from 10 p.m. till 4 a.m. everyday starting tonight, with those violating the rule facing prosecution with no exceptions.

The curfew was announced by the Prime Minister this week as an extension to the Emergency Decree imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Persons who might have valid reasons to be out during curfew hours, such as shift workers for essential businesses, or those whose working hours end at around 10 p.m., must carry with them an identification card and a letter of certification clearly stating the reason for being out after 10p.m., and an office telephone number. The officials will consider these on a case-by-case basis.

Those who intentionally break the curfew without valid reason will face two years imprisonment, up to a 40,000 baht fine, or both forms of punishment. The police say they will be focusing more on communication with the general public about these rules, during the first two nights of the curfew.

More checkpoints will be placed across the country in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and provost marshals. Police contingents will be conducting more frequent patrols to prevent crimes.

The police spokesman has asked the general public to comply with these measures to minimize the spread of the virus, urging people to manage their time well around the imposed regulations.

He has asked the general public to understand the intention of these regulations to stop the spread of disease as quickly as possible, while admitting that there might be some obstacles in the early stages.(NNT)

Thailand’s provinces follow measures against coronavirus

People in provinces cooperate well with the government’s coronavirus control measures during the shopping activitiesat fresh markets where more are seen with face masks on. Hand sanitizers are widely provided for the customers.

BANGKOK- Many provinces have taken measures to help control the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). At a fresh market in Sukhothai province, most vendors and people are now wearing face masks in an effort to slow its spread.

In the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, some 100 people, comprising Altruistic Heart 904 volunteers, officers of the 4th Army Region and municipal officials, joined forces to clean and disinfect footpaths, walls, fences and residential areas. A fleet of vehicles was launched to different parts of Nakhon Si Thammarat to provide information and preventive recommendations to keep away from COVID-19.

In Yala, the Non-Formal and Informal Education Office and its network partners got together to make face shields to protect people from airborne droplets as the sick cough or sneeze. The face shields will be distributed to medical personnel in hospitals and police officers at traffic checkpoints in the southern border province.

The Director of the Yala Provincial Office of the Non-Formal and Informal Education, Sompong Chimnoo, said today his agency and its network partners initially made a batch of 500 face shields. They will be given to physicians and nurses at Yala Hospital, Bannang Sata Hospital and Kabang Hospital, as they are putting themselves at risk while saving the lives of others.

The Governor of Sukhothai, Maitree Traitilanan, visited a fresh market in Sukhothai province this week, to encourage vendors and buyers to wear protective masks and urge all shops to provide hand sanitizers for their customers to use. Vendors, who refuse to cooperate, will not be allowed to do business in the market. Members of the public are advised to clean their hands thoroughly.

The provincial governor also handed out cloth masks to vendors and buyers in the market.(NNT)

China to deliver big lot of N95 masks and PPE to Thailand next week

Face masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) suits worth 660 million baht will be transferred to Thailand next week to respond to the growing domestic demand during the coronavirus outbreak. 

BANGKOK - The Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) expected 400,000 sets each of N95 masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) suits to arrive from China next week.

GPO managing director Dr Withoon Danwiboon said the organization ordered the products worth about 660 million baht from China and was assigning an airline to pick them up.

The products would be imported for urgent use and their import received approval from relevant organizations including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and medical schools, he said.

Dr Withoon said that the lot would not be enough. The products would be used up within less than a month and his organization would order a million more, he said.

FDA secretary-general Dr Paisarn Dunkum said every country highly demanded N95 masks and PPE suits and FDA ordered N95 masks from 3M Co in January.

To be independent, the Thai Textile Manufacturing Association was working out ways to locally make such products from cloth. They would have to meet technical standards, Dr Paisarn said.  (TNA)

 

Thailand’s Samut Sakhon people must all wear face masks, or fined 2,000 baht

One of the most fresh seafood-product abundant provinces – Samut Sakhon- is now put under maximum precaution of coronavirus containment measures. Everyone must wear face maskswhen going outside or fined 2,000 baht, clean their hands and follow social distancing in the markets.

SAMUT SAKHON - Thailand’s Samut Sakhon province has implemented mandatory wearing of a face mask to help counter the spread of Covid-19.

Effective on Friday until April 30, the order says all residents in the province must wear face masks while being outside their homes and anyone failing to cover their nose and mouth with face masks are subject to THB 2,000 fine.

City officials have ordered people to wear face masks, clean their hands and follow social distancing when going inside public places such as markets.

Vendors have shown their willingness to cooperate and also provided hand sanitizer for their customers.

Many of the vendors at Mahachai Muang Kao market have posted signs or messages prohibiting people with no face masks to enter their stalls. (TNA)    

Thai police vow strict enforcement of ‘Curfew’order

More than 400 checkpoints have been set up across the country as part of the state of emergency measures.

BANGKOK- Thai police vow strict enforcement of curfew order, starting 10 pm on Friday in order to combat the Covid-19 outbreak.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday announced to plan to impose a nationwide curfew between 10 pm to 4 am, under the state of the emergency decree.

Spokesman of the Royal Thai Police Pol Lt General Piya Uthayo said police would intensify the works at more than 400 checkpoints that has since last week set up across the country as part of the state of emergency measures.  

 

 Spokesman of the Royal Thai Police Pol Lt General Piya Uthayo.

Now with the curfew in place, police would strictly enforce the measure and prosecute violators, he said.

In the Thursday’s announcement, Prayut said violators of the curfew order could face a two-year imprisonment and a fine up to THB 40,000.

Nevertheless, the order says some groups of people such as medical professionals and individuals granted permissions by security officers are exempted from the curfew.

 

Huai Khwang police officer checks vehicles for their licenses and prerequisite of travels in efforts to enforce the national curfew law. 

The curfew decision is seen as an attempt to reduce the number of infections among young people who have kept socializing activities at night despite the Covid-19 outbreak. (TNA) 

HRH Princess Sirivannavari offers moral support to Coronavirus medical team

HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya kindly gives moral support to the medical personnel in the fight against the Covid-19 outbreak.

BANGKOK, April 2 - HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya of Thailand has met representatives of medical personnel to give them moral support in the fight against the Covid-19 outbreak.

In the royal audience at Siriraj Hospital Wednesday afternoon, the doctors, nurses and hospital staff were praised by the Princess who referred them as ‘warriors in white’.

 

HRH Princess Sirivannavari NariratanaRajakanya offers cloth face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant for distribution to hospitals nationwide.

The Princess made a donation for a program by the Medical Association of Thailand to provide assistance to medical personnel.The Princess offered cloth face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant by the Medication Association of Thailand for distribution to hospitals across the country. (TNA) 

HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya praisesd edicated doctors, nurses and hospital staff and refers them as ‘warriors in white’.

Thai Govt orders slowdown of incoming foreign and Thai travelers

The spokesman of the CCSA, Dr Thaweesin Wissanuyothin.

BANGKOK – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha ordered a new measure to slow down incoming travels of foreigners while Thais are asked to suspend their homecoming trips between April 2 and 15.

The prime minister as chairman of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) ordered all agencies concerned to issue measures to slow down travels of incoming foreigners and Thais except for those who had sought for permission earlier, said the spokesman of the CCSA, Dr Thaweesin Wissanuyothin.

The new measure to slow down arrivals is in effective from today until April 15.

The Public Health Ministry reported three more Covid-19 deaths and 104 new cases on Thursday, saying that foreigners and Thai returnees from overseas were among new infections.

The new measure came after a death of a Thai man on a southern-bound train to Narathiwat. He returned home from Pakistan and was found to be infected with the Covid-19 after his death, prompting many railway staff and train passengers to be placed under quarantine.

Thai nationals need to monitor themselves 14 days before their homecoming trip and have to travel with fit-to-fly medical certificates.

However, there are some loopholes and failures to cooperate with the guidelines, the spokesman said. In response to this, the new measure to limit arrivals was issued to reduce losses.

Regarding AFS Thai exchange students, who plan to return home, he said they could possibly expose to the virus during homecoming trips, so they are asked to suspend their trips in line with the government’s measure. They can delay their trip until the situation improves and they have to self-quarantine after arrivals. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has worked closely with AFS International to help them travel home safely under effective and systematic procedures, said Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Natapanu Noppakhun. (TNA)

Shops in Thailand giving full support to government instructions

A convenience store staff cleans up her check counter as part of the virus containment routine.

BANGKOK- The government’s recent announcements and orders, aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have greatly affected many sectors of society, including the business sector. Nevertheless, the government has received full cooperation from shops and convenience stores, including those in Bangkok; they must now close for at least five hours from midnight.

Convenience stores, grocery stores and supermarkets in Bangkok’s Vibhavadi Rangsit and SaphanKwai areas were relatively quiet last night at about 8:30 p.m. A store clerk said most clients usually bought food and groceries before returning home in the evening. Now, many clients buy them in advance. Stores and supermarkets continue to follow stringent hygiene and sanitation practices.

In normal times, Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district is often crowded with people, including tourists, who come to buy fruit, clothes and souvenirs and eat at street food stalls. The area is now seeing far fewer visitors.

In Ang Thong province, Wat Chaiyo and Pratunam Yangmanee markets have strictly followed the instructions of the national committee on communicable diseases by having only one entry and exit point. Public health officers and community leaders are conducting temperature checks on all vendors and people entering the markets, and are also giving out protective masks.

In Nong Bua Lamphu province, a local shop called Man U Menu Printer uses a rope barrier to prevent customers from entering the shop. Customers can tell the vendor what they want to purchase.

The order is then placed in a bag and is delivered to the customer in a bucket, attached to a long pole.

The customers then place the money into the bucket, and the deal is done. Hand sanitizers are provided in front of the counter. However, the shop won’t serve people who are not wearing a face mask. (NNT)

Thailand implements coronavirus prevention campaign nationwide

The Governor of KhonKaen, Somsak Changtragul.

BANGKOK- In addition to law enforcement, social measures, particularly social distancing, must be practiced to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In Thailand, many public and private agencies are working together to encourage social distancing.

The Social Security Office in Lopburi province is following guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by having a single entry and exit point to facilitate the screening process. The office keeps alcohol-based hand sanitizers on its counter for visitors to access. Seats are arranged so as to increase the distance between clients in all directions, while crosses are marked on the floor to indicate safe standing distances.

The Governor of Khon Kaen, Somsak Changtragul, this week inspected a construction materials retail store that is now an online-only retailer. The store has placed social distancing reminders throughout its premises. It is closely following social distancing protocols to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Other measures are intended to prevent the virus from spreading in at-risk areas. In Sisaket province, municipal officials and border defense volunteers have joined forces to clean and disinfect a fresh market.

Meanwhile, in the northern province of Lamphun, officials from various agencies sprayed disinfectant in San Pu Loei fresh market, as many people go there to buy fresh produce.

In the South, firm measures have been implemented at a fresh market in Pattani province. Public health officers have stepped up screenings of people visiting the market using a thermal scanner. Hand sanitizers are conveniently placed for use by all vendors and visitors. People who aren’t wearing a protective mask as well as people more than 70 years old and children under five, are not allowed to enter the market. (NNT)

Foreign Ministry to repatriate Thai exchange students in USA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been looking after exchange students in the US. through the Royal Thai Embassy and expects all of the students to return home this month.

BANGKOK- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating the repatriation of exchange students from Thailand currently in the United States, who are all expected to return this month.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Spokesman Cherdkiat Atthakor, said on Wednesday that the ministry is working with AFS International to repatriate Thai exchange students in the AFS program who are currently in the United States, where the new coronavirus disease is now spreading fast.

He said some students who were in the U.S. and other countries have already returned to Thailand by themselves prior to the surge of cases, however a big group of students still remains in the U.S., wanting to return home.

At present, there is no direct commercial flight operating from the U.S. to Thailand, however some airlines are still operating connecting flights between the U.S. and Thailand. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been looking after exchange students in the US. through the Royal Thai Embassy, especially in regards to their medical insurance. The ministry expects all of these students will be able to return to Thailand in the course of this month.

Thai nationals abroad who wish to return to Thailand must provide a valid Fit-to-Fly medical certificate and a document from the Thai embassy in order to board a flight. They will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Thailand.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul, said today that children and youths returning from abroad will be well taken care of, adding that exchange students from the U.S. will be treated as a group in the same manner as the student group that previously returned from Italy. They will be monitored even prior to their journey, during their travels, and upon arrival where they will be transferred to a quarantine facility at Sattahip Naval Base in Chonburi, or the Air Force’s Flying Training School in Nakhon Pathom.

He said the repatriation must be well coordinated between the AFS and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.(NNT)

Thailand reports 2 more coronavirus deaths, new 120 patients, ‘Stay home’ underlined

The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesman, Dr Thaweesin Wissanuyothin.

BANGKOK - Thailand reports two more Covid-19 deaths and 120 new patients, raising the total cases in the country to 1,771. The death toll rose to 12.

Dr Thaweesin Wissanuyothin, the spokesman for the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said on Wednesday one of the two deaths is a 79- year-old man from Yala, who went to a wedding ceremony in Malaysia. He also had diabetes and kidney failure.

The other death is a 58-year-old businessman, who returned from England.

The new infections are divided into three groups.  The first group of 51 people either had close contact with previous patients or visited the places where patients had been.

They consist of a visitor to a boxing stadium, 11 to entertainment venues, 38 people in close contact with Covid-19 patients.

The second group comprises 39 persons, including eight persons travelling from other countries (six Thais and two foreigners), 14 persons who were in crowded areas or worked closely with foreigners, 16 returnees from religious ceremonies in Indonesia, and one medical staff.

Thirty cases are under investigation.

The new confirmed Covid-19 cases are centered in the capital, so people who are still travelling in the city are at risk of contracting the coronavirus, the spokesman said while asking for cooperation from public members to stay home to reduce the number of the new cases.  (TNA)

Global Situation – Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) – Death Toll: 44,185

Global Situation – Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) as of April 01, 09:04 PM

(Sources: Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health of Thailand Official Website) 

Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) Thailand Situation, Confirmed case: 1,771, Death: 12

Global Situation – Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) – Death Toll: 39,566

Global Situation – Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) as of March 31, 10:03 PM

(Sources: Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health of Thailand Official Website)

Chonburi announces emergency measures to combat COVID-19

Bangkok, 31 March, 2020, at 13.00 Hrs. – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to provide the latest update from Chonburi province, which issued announcement No. 7/2020 dated 30 March, 2020, to combat the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Chonburi, where Pattaya is located, has imposed temporary closure of venues and activity restrictions with immediate effect until further notice.

Shops and services to be closed with exceptions:

- Shopping malls and department stores (except banks and finance counters, ATMs, mobile phone and communication service centres, supermarket zones, pharmacies or zones selling necessary items and food shops – takeaway is permitted), tools and hardware stores and related shops.

- Restaurants and beverage shops, street food and beverage stalls, (except takeaway and restaurants and beverage shops serving food to hotel guests).

Shops, services and venues to be closed during specific times:

-All 24/7 convenience stores to close from 22.00 – 05.00 Hrs. daily.

-Sales of alcoholic beverages is prohibited from 18.00 – 06.00 Hrs. daily.

-Closure of all beaches from 20.00 – 06.00 Hrs. daily.

Venues and services to be entirely closed temporarily:

-All service venues and entertainment places.

-Health spas, massage shops, beauty treatment shops, aesthetic clinics, aesthetic treatments at medical clinics or hospitals, weight-control services and cosmetic clinics.

-Cinemas and theatres.

-Boxing stadiums, boxing schools and fighting cock venues.

-Fitness centres and sports clubs.

-Water parks and amusement parks.

-Gaming and Internet shops as well as computer service centres.

-Buddha amulet sales stalls.

-Snooker and billiard halls as well as bowling lanes.

-Public parks, outdoor and indoor gyms, children’s playgrounds and kid’s clubs, sports stadiums, or venues where people gather to play sports.

-Temporary Passport Office, Pattaya.

-Golf courses and golf driving ranges.

-Public and private tourist attractions.

-Private nurseries.

Restrictions of travel activities and gatherings:

-Sales of food and beverages at ChonlamakWithi 84 Phansa Causeway, or bringing own food and beverages to the area, is prohibited.

-Travelling to and from Ko Si Chang is prohibited.

-Gatherings in public areas, hotels, resorts, homestays, daily and weekly rental accommodation and rental houses are prohibited.

-Gatherings of large crowds of more than 100 participants are prohibited. If the event is necessary, strict social distancing rules must be applied.

The announcement also includes guidelines and recommendations, including screening measures, hygiene practices, and social distancing rules for operators of places and services to be a part of the nationwide effort to combat the spread of COVID-19.

TAT is constantly providing updates on the tourism-related COVID-19 situation in Thailand at the TAT Newsroom (https://www.tatnews.org/). For additional information and assistance relating to Thailand’s tourism, contact the TAT Contact Centre 1672 or Tourist Police 1155.

For constant updates of Thailand’s COVID-19 control measures for travelers, please visit https://ddc.moph.go.th/viralpneumonia/eng/index.php.

This press release is published on 31 March, 2020, at 13.00 Hrs. All information is accurate at the current time but can be changed depending on the situation. The TAT Newsroom will not be updating this press release but will issue new updates as soon as further information becomes available.

Home caregivers for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 guidelines

Home caregivers for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should:
-Ensure the ill persons rests, drinks plenty of fluids and eats nutritious food.
-Wear a medical mask when in the same room with an ill person. Do not touch the mask or face during use and discard it afterward.
-Frequently clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based rub, especially:
• after any type of contact with the ill person or their surroundings
• before, during and after preparing food
• before eating
• after using the toilet
-
--Identify frequently touched surfaces by the ill person and clean and disinfect them daily.
-Call your health care facility immediately if the ill person worsens or experiences difficulty breathing.

WHO guidelines on essential health services during COVID-19 pandemic

WHO releases guidelines to help countries maintain essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic

30 March 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic is straining health systems worldwide. The rapidly increasing demand on health facilities and health care workers threatens to leave some health systems overstretched and unable to operate effectively.

Previous outbreaks have demonstrated that when health systems are overwhelmed, mortality from vaccine-preventable and other treatable conditions can also increase dramatically. During the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak, the increased number of deaths caused by measles, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis attributable to health system failures exceeded deaths from Ebola [1,2]. 

To help countries navigate through these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) has updated operational planning guidelines in balancing the demands of responding directly to COVID-19 while maintaining essential health service delivery, and mitigating the risk of system collapse. This includes a set of targeted immediate actions that countries should consider at national, regional, and local level to reorganize and maintain access to high-quality essential health services for all.

Countries should identify essential services that will be prioritized in their efforts to maintain continuity of service delivery and make strategic shifts to ensure that increasingly limited resources provide maximum benefit for the population. They also need to comply with the highest standard in precautions, especially in hygiene practices, and the provision of adequate supplies including personal protective equipment This requires robust planning and coordinated actions between governments and health facilities and their managers.

Well-organized and prepared health systems can continue to provide equitable access to essential service delivery throughout an emergency, limiting direct mortality and avoiding increased indirect mortality.   ;

The guidelines stress the importance of keeping up-to-date information. This requires frequent transparent communications with the public, and strong community engagements so the public   can maintain trust in the system to safely meet their essential needs and to control infection risk in health facilities. This will help ensure that people continue to seek care when appropriate, and adhere to public health advice.

New WHO Guide to help countries expand access to essential medicines

30 March 2020 - WHO’s   new user guide for countries, ‘Selection of medicines at country level’, is based on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It sets out the key actions that countries should undertake to develop and update their own national essential medicines lists based on the treatment needs of their populations and their capacity to reimburse payments for medicines.

The document also aims to support countries in progressing towards universal health coverage. Today, approximately half of the world’s population is unable to access essential medicines. The large majority of these people live in poorer countries, but rising prices of new medicines are also becoming a challenge for health systems in wealthy countries.

A careful selection of essential medicines is the first step in ensuring a population can obtain the quality-assured medicines it needs at an affordable price.  Countries need to do more to ensure that all people and communities can access highly effective medicines. WHO’s new manual is a resource to do just that. 

The document, intended for policy makers in charge of national medicines and reimbursement lists, aims to increase transparency on how essential medicines are selected. Most national lists of essential medicines have several differences when compared with WHO’s model list, which lists only medicines of proven safety and efficacy. Some national lists include medicines that bring little extra benefit to patients. Decision-makers should refer to the WHO global list to gauge the public health value of listing certain medicines for their populations.

The essential medicines concept 

Essential medicines are: 

-those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the population

-selected with due regard to disease prevalence and public health relevance, evidence of efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness

-intended to be available within the context of functioning health systems at all times in adequate amounts, in the appropriate dosage forms, with assured quality and adequate information, and at a price the individual and community can afford.  

The essential medicines concept is global and forward-looking. It incorporates the need to regularly update medicines selections to reflect new therapeutic options and changing therapeutic needs; the need to ensure drug quality; and the need for continued development of better medicines, medicines for emerging diseases and medicines to meet changing resistance patterns.

Achieving universal health coverage and equity in public health depends on access to essential, high-quality and affordable health related technologies for all. To achieve access for all by 2030, at least two billion more people will need to have access to essential health services by 2030.

In an effort to make the Model List of Essential Medicines more readily accessible, WHO recently developed an electronic version of the list, bringing the traditional EML to computer screens, tablets and smartphones in a freely accessible, downloadable, online database.
 

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Thailand reports 2 more coronavirus deaths, new 120 patients, ‘Stay home’ underlined

Global Situation – Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) – Death Toll: 44,185

Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) Thailand Situation, Confirmed case: 1,771, Death: 12

Global Situation – Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) – Death Toll: 39,566

Chonburi announces emergency measures to combat COVID-19

Home caregivers for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 guidelines

WHO guidelines on essential health services during COVID-19 pandemic

New WHO Guide to help countries expand access to essential medicines

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