Five new coronavirus (Covid-19) cases were confirmed on Friday (March 13) by the Thai Public Health Ministry.

Five cases of cluster infections take Thailand Covid-19 total to 75

Five new cases of cluster infection were reported on Friday (March 13) by the Thai Public Health Ministry, taking the total number of cases in the country to 75. Public Health permanent secretary Sukhum Karnchanapimai said two cases -- the 71st and 72nd, a woman and a man -- were infected in the same group as the last cluster who were infected by a tourist from Hong Kong. The 73rd case was a 27-year-old Thai woman who had returned from South Korea and was admitted at Nopparatrajathanee Hospital.

After her return, she started to get sick. She went to hang out with 11 friends at a pub. 

The 74th victim was her brother and the 75th was her female friend. They were sharing food and booze, and had a long conversation in close proximity. Eight other close contacts have been called to take Covid-19 test.

Thailand has seen a total of 75 confirmed cases, 35 discharged, 39 under medical care, and one death.

Sukhum added that the new cases were found in cluster groups who had returned from a high-risk area and showed inappropriate behavior, such as sharing foods and not being in quarantine after returning from the risk area. 

Public Health officials asked people to be aware of the situation and avoid visits to countries considered as risky areas such as Spain, Germany, United States, United Kingdom, France, Norway, Switzerland, Japan, Sweden, Denmark, Netherland, and United Kingdom since around 100 confirmed cases are found daily.

Meanwhile, worried citizens continue to find difficulty in buying face masks due to short supply and poor distribution by the government.

 

The Nation