Pathum Thani plans to build more field hospitals after Covid-19 cases reported in the province rose by a further 458 yesterday, the second-highest daily jump after Bangkok.
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) reported yesterday the 10 provinces with the biggest increases on Saturday were Bangkok (1,498), Pathum Thani (458), Samut Prakan (412), Samut Sakhon (395), Chon Buri (275), Nonthaburi (267), Songkhla (232), Nakhon Pathom (230), Pattani (213) and Yala (205).
Apichon Jeensawek, deputy chief of Pathum Thani public health office, said about 500 Covid-19 patients are waiting to be transferred for treatment at different hospitals, while others can receive care at field hospitals.
If the infection rate doesn't drop soon, the province will face bed shortages for Covid-19 patients, so locations are being sought for the construction of more field hospitals, Dr Apichon said.
Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit Toopkrajang, chairman of the Pathum Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), said the situation was getting out of control with new clusters constantly springing up, including a recent outbreak at Talat Thai Market in Khlong Luang district.
Most importantly, beds are now at a premium in both field and regular hospitals.
As a result, Pathum Thani Vocational Education College is being eyed as a potential venue to handle the overflow, in part due to its location away from the local community which would relieve fears that it might contribute to contagion in those areas, Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit said.
Meanwhile, the Pathum Thani PAO has ramped up its testing regime to accommodate 1,500 blood samples a day and is also now able to trace 1,000 new cases a day through active case finding.
Talat Thai Market officials also announced yesterday that some zones in the market will be closed.
It will vaccinate 3,000 people today and tomorrow, with more vaccine doses ordered specifically for migrant workers, they said.
It will also set up a field hospital of the market to admit migrants who have fallen ill with Covid-19.
In Nonthaburi yesterday, meanwhile, Busarakham field hospital in Muang Thong Thani installed 1,500 more beds to receive Covid-19 patients from Bangkok and its surrounding provinces.