KHON KAEN: An elderly man has tested positive for Covid-19 after breaching 14-day home quarantine and attending Chinese New Year celebrations.
Dr Somchaichote Piyawatwela, provincial public health chief, said on Wednesday that the 63-year-old native of Maha Sarakham went to a private hospital in Khon Kaen on Sunday. He complained of body ache and excessive phlegm.
His Covid-19 test returned positive the following day. He is the 12th Covid-19 case in Khon Kaen since the second wave started in December.
The provincial health chief said the man had dined with a previously confirmed case in Maha Sarakham on Jan 25 and 26.
On Jan 29 he tested negative for Covid-19 and started his compulsory 14-day home quarantine.
His second test on Feb 3 was again negative. From Feb 4 to 9 he had opened his shop, but did not go out.
"But there is a concern because during the Chinese New Year festival from Feb 10 to 13 he met relatives and they took part in activities together.
"On Feb 14 he fell sick and his family took him to a private hospital in Khon Kaen, where he tested positive," Dr Somchaichote said.
His family members were told to enter home quarantine in Maha Sarakham.