The rate of new COVID-19 infections in Bangkok and its five neighbouring provinces has a tendency to slow down, thanks to the partial lockdown, increased vaccinations of the elderly, pregnant women and those afflicted with underlying diseases and good cooperation from the public, said CCSA Spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin today (Monday).
New infections reported in Thailand today are 17,491, which includes 7,572 cases in Bangkok and its five surrounding provinces, accounting for 44%. 9,514 cases are in the other 71 provinces. 398 cases are among prisoners and the rest are arrivals from abroad in state quarantine.
Dr. Taweesin said that the continuation of partial lockdown measures, such as working from home, the closure of high-risk venues and accelerated inoculation of target groups, can lead to as much as a 25% reduction in new COVID-19 infections by December.
He noted, however, that the number of daily fatalities is not yet falling and, therefore, efforts to vaccinate vulnerable people have been intensified.
The adoption of a combined inoculation approach, with the Chinese Sinovac vaccine as the first dose, followed by AstraZeneca for the second within 3 weeks, will help in reducing illness and hospitalisations.
Dr. Taweesin also pointed out that infections among construction workers in their housing facilities are picking up again, with the emergence of new clusters, prompting officials to adjust their strategies.
Cumulative infections, since April 1st this year, are 1,037,923. Cumulative recoveries are 834,344. 195,454 people are still being treated in general and field hospitals and other health facilities.
The death toll in the past 24 hours is 242.
Dr. Taweesin said the CCSA has approved the Thai Football Association’s proposal to host the SAT International Futsal Championship 2021 in Bangkok from September 2nd to 6th, the AFF Futsal Cup 2021 in Nakhon Ratchasima from September 12th to 18th and the Asian Volleyball Championship in Bangkok from September 27th to October 8th.
Source: Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS)