A Thai hotel waiter, who was among 17 individuals who were in close contact with Thailand’s first case of Omicron variant infection, will need to undergo further tests to determine if he has contracted the coronavirus, and if so, if it is of the Omicron variant, Deputy Public Health Minister Sathit Pitutecha told the media today (Tuesday).
The RT-PCR test of the 44-year-old waiter yesterday turned out to be “inconclusive”. Another RT-PCR test today found him negative of the virus.
Mr. Sathit said that the waiter, had served food to the American businessman, who arrived in Thailand from Spain via Dubai and is Thailand’s first Omicron variant case, but both were wearing face masks during the brief encounter. The waiter subsequently returned to his hometown, in the north-eastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, in the company of some relatives.
Director of the Epidemiology Division at the Disease Control Department Dr. Chakkarat Pittayawonganon confirmed this afternoon that the waiter does not have the Omicron variant, but he will have to be tested again on December 12th or 13th.
Five of his family members are also under close observation by health officials in Ubon Ratchathani province.
Meanwhile, the American businessman has not yet developed any symptoms and will remain in isolation for the full 14-days.
Source: Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS)