Virus truth must be told

Virus truth must be told

The emergence of the latest three coronavirus cases in Bangkok shows just how vulnerable the country is to the threat of an uncontrollable epidemic.

The new cases were reported early yesterday at a hospital in the Don Muang area, heightening fears of a sustained local outbreak. The day before, Mahidol University issued a statement confirming that one of its personnel who had returned from an at-risk country had developed suspicious symptoms. This person, who is under 14-day quarantine, is still being monitored.

The three new Don Muang cases, which brought the country's total to 40 as of yesterday, are all members of the same family, according to B.Care Hospital.

An elderly couple checked into a hospital exhibiting pneumonia-like symptoms with a cough. They had just returned from Hokkaido in Japan, one of the world's Covid-19 hotspots, yet they deliberately lied to the hospital about where they had been. When doctors pressed hard for the answer, they finally admitted the truth, but by that time their grandson, who had not travelled with them, had tested positive for the disease. This caused a stir at his school which is being disinfected and his schoolmates sent home. Moreover, a bank where the boy's father works has also had to close for three days as a precaution.

About 30 hospital staff who came into contact with the elderly couple during the early stages of their treatment are, despite so far having tested negative, under quarantine.

The Don Muang contagion occurred at a time when the country has raised Covid-19's status to that of a "dangerous communicable disease". The national committee on communicable diseases under Deputy PM and Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said by listing Covid-19 as such, health authorities will be able to respond more quickly to contain the virus in the event of local transmission. This is a very timely coincidence indeed.

The Don Muang cases have rattled public confidence about the country's disease control abilities. Previously, Mr Anutin insisted that Thailand "is in the second stage [of an outbreak] where contagion is still very limited". He assured the authorities were ready to implement measures to keep the situation that way.

Previously, suspicions had been mounting over the possibility of a cover-up as the tally of infections had not changed for a considerable period of time. But now there is a real possibility that the number may rise and all parties involved must prepare for the worst. What is needed are strict outbreak control regulations and rigorous enforcement.

The authorities have voiced concerns that some people may be hiding the truth in the way the Don Muang grandparents did. It's a must that the authorities ensure that people who defy the regulations are aware of the harsh penalties they could face if they fail to comply with the rules ­-- one-year imprisonment and a 100,000-baht fine. Enforcement of such penalties would certainly help contain the spread of the virus.

Now the authorities have to race against time to track down more people possibly infected by the elderly Don Muang couple, whose reckless attitude makes it even more difficult to handle a disease that has infected over 80,000 people around the world, killing thousands. There were more than 220 travellers on the same flight back from Japan as them, as well as flight crew, for example, who may need testing.

As the world does battle with the deadly virus, the public must realise that they too have a responsibility to help curb the disease.

Editorial

Bangkok Post editorial column

These editorials represent Bangkok Post thoughts about current issues and situations.

Email : anchaleek@bangkokpost.co.th

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