Phetchaburi: A new Covid-19 cluster at an electronics factory has put authorities on a knife's edge with almost 700 workers confirmed to be infected with the virus.
Cal-Comp Electronics (Thailand) Plc has closed down operations and shut its facilities for cleaning in Khao Yoi district for 14 days starting yesterday after 682 workers tested positive.
About 3,600 migrant workers of the factory have been quarantined inside the factory compound for 14 days, said provincial governor Phakpong Thawipat.
The governor said the factory closure is a voluntary decision made by the management who will provide food and other essential supplies to the workers on lockdown.
Mr Phakpong said that two tambons -- Saprang and Bang Khem -- have also been sealed off to restrict the movement of thousands of workers who stay in dormitories and rented houses scattered in the two areas. According to Mr Phakpong, about 10,000 workers are employed by the factory, 6,600 are Myanmar nationals and 5,900 are Thais.
Petcharuek Tansawat, chief of Phetchaburi public health, said the 682 confirmed cases are part of the factory and community testing on 2,171 people. Those infected accounted for 64%.
He said health officials are awaiting the test results for about 2,000 other employees and the number of infections linked to this cluster is expected to reach 1,000.
Following the outbreak, Covid-19 mobile testing vans donated by His Majesty the King have been dispatched to Khao Yoi district to support proactive screening.
Wiporn Waewsripong, chief of Khao Yoi district, said the vans will boost the testing capacity which will be instrumental in bringing the outbreak under control.