Amid concerns over the surge in COVID-19 cases, Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, finds itself grappling with a critical situation. In a proactive move to safeguard the public, health authorities are calling for booster vaccinations and ramping up medical preparedness to mitigate the potential impact of a winter epidemic.
On July 24, 2023, Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health (Public Health), revealed the latest figures after a meeting to assess the COVID-19 situation. While there has been a steady decrease in cases over the past week, the city still reports 556 hospitalized patients, with an average of 79 admissions per day. Additionally, 178 patients are classified as severely ill, and there have been 8 deaths, with an average of 1 fatality per day. The most concerning aspect of these deaths is that all of them occurred within the 608 risk group, which primarily includes individuals over the age of 60 with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease. Alarmingly, these fatalities were among those who were either unvaccinated or had not received a booster dose in more than three months.
An analysis of 749 cumulative deaths in 2023 revealed a high-risk factor for infection: residing in slums and contracting the virus from a family member. This finding emphasizes the importance of continuing the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the Bangkok area, which has witnessed the highest number of cumulative deaths, totaling 116 people.
Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong also highlighted predictions made by the Department of Disease Control, which indicate a potential increase in COVID-19 cases towards the end of 2023, coinciding with the onset of the winter season. The prediction is based on a decline in new infections and an increase in the number of individuals who received their latest vaccine more than six months ago. This scenario mirrors the pattern of influenza epidemics, leading health authorities to take preemptive measures. Relevant agencies have been instructed to continuously monitor and assess the situation, and a proactive estimate of the required medicine and medical supplies is being made to ensure timely procurement in the event of warning signs of an epidemic.
Furthermore, the Department of Disease Control has taken collaborative efforts through the Provincial Communicable Disease Committee in Bangkok to inform volunteers and remind the public to wear masks consistently, particularly if they are suffering from respiratory illnesses. Special attention is given to those within the 608 risk group and young children in vulnerable areas or engaged in risky activities, with the aim of curbing infection transmission within families and communities.
As the city confronts these challenges, concerted efforts are underway to tackle the rising COVID-19 cases and strengthen immunity within the community. By promoting booster vaccinations, enhancing medical readiness, and fostering public awareness, health authorities strive to safeguard Bangkok residents and prepare for any potential surge in COVID-19 cases during the forthcoming winter months.
