Coronavirus can spread in touristy places: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
BANGKOK — The spread of coronavirus in touristy places with many Chinese visitors such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket is possible, warned the Public Health Ministry after local transmission was confirmed in Japan.
The ministry issued the warning on Wednesday after a Japanese coach driver who had not been to Wuhan was reported to have been infected with the novel coronavirus while driving a Chinese tour group from Wuhan city, Bangkok Post reported.
“An outbreak in Thailand is possible. As in Japan, it will start with local transmission on a very limited scale and later grow to the provincial level,” said Dr Tanarak Plipat, deputy director-general of the Department of Disease Control.
“We are closely monitoring sensitive areas with large numbers of Chinese tourists such as Chiang Mai, Phuket and Bangkok, which are highly possible to be specific outbreak areas,” he said.
Dr. Tanarak advised people to wash their hands frequently and avoid crowded areas to protect themselves.
Currently, Thailand has 14 confirmed cases of coronavirus, five of them recovered and were sent home, while the other nine are still being treated at hospitals.
In addition, 158 people were placed in the Patient Under Investigation (PUI) programme, and 62 of them were already discharged.
Source: Bangkok Post
- Hailstorm in Nan turns streets and houses white - March 14, 2023
- Tourism and Sports Minister to ask CCSA to end Thailand Pass - June 10, 2022
- PAL announces 81st anniversary seat sale for as low as P181 - March 20, 2022
