Residents of Bangkok were reminded of the continued threat posed by Covid-19 when a 70-year-old woman, living in the city’s Bang Phlat district, was discovered deceased at her home after testing positive for the virus. Upon receiving a report of the woman’s passing, a specialized team from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation, a well-known rescue organization, arrived at the scene in soi Charansanitwong 40. Accompanying them were a forensic doctor from Siriraj Hospital and officers from the Bang Yi Khan police station.
An antigen test kit (ATK) confirmed that the deceased was a Covid-19 patient. After conducting a thorough examination of the body and the surrounding area, the Ruam Katanyu Foundation arranged for her to be cremated at a nearby temple. While investigating the case, it was revealed that four individuals who resided in the same property as the victim had also contracted the virus. Consequently, the infected family members were placed under quarantine and provided with medical care and treatment according to their specific symptoms.
Dr. Theera Worathanarat, a lecturer with Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, issued a warning on Friday about an imminent surge in Covid-19 infections. He urged those who have tested positive to remain in isolation until they receive negative ATK test results, citing international research showing that the chance of transmitting the virus decreases significantly after ten days. In his statement, Dr. Worathanarat emphasized that it is crucial for patients to adhere to Covid-19 safety measures for a total of 14 days to minimize possible transmission.
As Covid-19 infections are expected to increase during the rainy season, the Public Health Ministry has also urged elderly citizens to get vaccinated or receive a booster shot. Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, strongly advised vulnerable groups to get inoculated, assuring them of the safety of simultaneously receiving flu vaccines. Moreover, the World Health Organization’s Weekly Epidemiological Update has shown a decrease in new Covid-19 cases globally from March 27 to April 23, as compared to the preceding four weeks. However, cases and deaths continue to climb in Southeast Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean regions, and several other countries.
Recent studies on the different Covid-19 variants indicate that, from April 3 through April 9, the XBB.x strain was the most prevalent, constituting 75% of all confirmed cases. Meanwhile, the XBB.1.16.x variant, which is closely monitored due to its potential for increased transmissibility or virulence, made up 4.3% of cases during the same period. As the situation continues to develop, it is more important than ever for vulnerable groups and the general public to get vaccinated and follow the recommended safety measures to protect themselves and their communities from the ongoing threat of Covid-19.
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