2 fully vaccinated women catch Delta virus variant

Nakhon Ratchasima: The provincial health office reported two cases of the Delta Covid-19 variant in this northeastern province even though both of the infectees had been fully vaccinated with the Chinese Sinovac jab.

Dr Narinrat Pichayakhamin, chief of the public health office, said the two cases of the Delta variant, originally detected in India, were female residents of Pak Chong district, aged 19 and 30.

The 19-year-old had been in contact with a Covid-19 patient, a hired driver, on June 14 when they travelled to Bangkok to deliver goods. She took a Covid-19 test on Wednesday after learning the driver had tested positive and the results showed she had contracted the Delta variant. Her close contacts were put under quarantine and tested.

The 30-year-old woman, a flea market vendor, had a high fever on June 16 and lost her sense of smell and taste a few days later. She was tested on Tuesday and the results also showed she was infected with the Delta strain.

Dr Narinrat said both patients had received two doses of Sinovac vaccine, adding that earlier a fully vaccinated police colonel at Pak Thong Chai police station had been infected with Covid-19.

The province yesterday reported 13 new infections in seven districts -- Kham Thale So (2), Chok Chai (3), Dan Khun Thot (2), Muang (3), Non Sung (1), Sikhiu (1), Soeng Sang (1), raising the total to 1,095.

The death of a man who also had liver cirrhosis caused by alcoholism was reported, bringing the toll for the province to 15.