The Public Health Ministry is rolling out one million doses of vaccine in the deep South to contain the continuing surge of Covid-19 transmissions in the region.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was speaking yesterday as new daily cases continued to hover around 2,000 in Songkhla, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. The ministry has now stepped in try to bring the outbreak under control by the end of the month, he said. It is rolling out one million doses, with 400,000 being delivered this week and 600,000 over the coming two weeks, to speed up infection control.
The ministry hopes to reach 70% inoculated among the local population by the end of the month, and Mr Anutin said lockdown measures must be implemented on decisions by provincial governors.
In Pattani, 563 new cases and two new deaths were logged yesterday, raising accumulated infections to 28,785 and average daily infections for the month to 510. There are 106 villages being readied for full isolation to slow down the surge.
Dr Wiset Sirintarasophon, chief of Yala provincial public health, said his office has launched four measures to contain the spread, which are running active case finding with Antigen Test Kits in communities and villages to expedite the isolation of infected individuals, and communities where the virus is rife, as well as providing more resources to boost home isolation schemes. The vaccination drive is also being accelerated with 70% coverage the goal and 700 more beds have been set up for the infected who need expert care.
Dr Chatuchai Maneerat, chief of Chiang Mai provincial public health, meanwhile, said daily cases jumped this week from 50 to 200, with Wednesday setting an unwelcome new record of 337 infections in a 24-hour period in the province. The critical cluster responsible for the current spread broke out in Mueangmai market that connects with Bangkok and neighbouring provinces.
The first case there was detected on Oct 3, and soon 20% of those who work and attend the market were returning positive results. After a 14-day closure, the market will reopen this week with 3,000 doses reserved for vendors and local residents.
Dr Chatuchai said the cluster has been linked with outbreaks in 25 districts after 2,000 visitors and workers had their movements traced.
CCSA assistant spokeswoman Apisamai Srirungson reported 10,486 new cases yesterday, 9,410 in healthcare, 867 from active finding, 167 in prisons and 42 imported.