The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus infection remained at 35 as of Monday morning (February 24), of whom 21 had fully recovered and have returned home while 14 are still under observation. Of those still in hospitals,most are expected to be free of the virus, awaiting results of the lab tests.
However,there are two critical cases that require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), said Rungruang Kitphati, spokesman of the Public Health Ministry.
From January 3 to February 22, 1,453 suspected cases were found and hospitalised with 68 through screening at airports. Of the total, 1,121 have returned home subject to continuous monitoring while 332 are still being kept in hospitals. Most cases were found to be seasonal influenza.
The spokesman added that lab tests of the Chinese suspected to have been infected in Myanmar-Thailand border district of Maesod in Tak province, had proved negative. However, the Chinese remains in Maesod hospital for treatment of a chronic disease.
Rungruang denied reports that the ministry might raise the virus alert level to level 3, the highest level, adding that it may define Covid-19 a dangerous communicate disease.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that another Thai on board the Diamond Princess had been found infected, bringing to 5 the number of Thai cases on the cruise ship. Thus far, five Thais, 4 crew members and a foreign tourist on board have been infected and hospitalised.