Last week we reported that COVID-19 infections in 44 of Thailand’s provinces, which include Bangkok, have been increasing, with an average rate of 31,148 cases a day between August 7th and 13th, according to Spokesman for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin.
During the same period, the death toll was 236, most of whom were people over 60, those with underlying diseases, and pregnant women. There were also 853 serious cases, including 436 on ventilators.
Many neighbouring Asean countries are also still getting high numbers, in fact in the Philippines Metro Manila will remain under Alert Level 1 from August 16 to 31, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
There, Senate President Jose Miguel “Migz” Zubiri also announced on Friday, August 19, that the Manila Senate building will be on “total lockdown” to facilitate the full disinfection of the facility after several senators and Senate personnel tested positive for COVID-19.
It is therefore surprising that here in Thailand the government is seen to be intent on shutting up shop on their various Covid departments.
Even though Asian experts and WHO are predicting continued waves of various viruses for the next few months.
Can’t we cope?
That said I think the general public has perhaps become Covid savvy and have the attitude that life must continue, and if you do catch a virus, it can be handled by staying at home for a few days.
With many viruses being announced every month, whether it is B4, Monkeypox, or Omicron, manufacturers are struggling just to catch up with a viable new vaccine.
And it seems the days of free vaccines are gone as several Thai private hospitals are advertising vaccines for over THB1,000 plus.
The bottom line is we have all probably had enough of following government health ministers’ rules and regulations.
People are now back traveling; corporations are again holding group seminars and sports events like football and motor racing have never been busier.
Just wait and see how many fans pack the Buriram circuit when the Moto GP comes to Thailand in October.
So, it is now up to us as global citizens to take responsibility for our own health and our families too.
It is no big deal to always carry a face mask, and it makes sense to take those precautions when required.
Most Thais in the big cities like Bangkok were wearing masks on public transport before Covid anyway.
However, now that should be our personal decision and not a government policy.