2,616 Covid-19 in-patients, 40 fatalities last week

There were 2,616 new Covid-19 in-patients and 40 related deaths recorded last week and health officials are warning of the need to continue with protection measures while taking part in traditional kathin festivals.

This was especially necessary when near people in the "608 group", who were most at risk, deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisoranakul said on Monday.

The 608 group comprises people of 60 years or more, infants, pregnant women and those with any of several chronic illnesses.

The Department of Disease Control reported that 2,616 Covid-19 infections, an average of 373 per day, were admitted for treatment in hospitals during the period Oct 16-22, compared to 2,234, an average of 319, the previous week.

There were 40 coronavirus-related deaths, about five per day, compared to 53, about seven per day, the preceding week.

The number of accumulated deaths since Jan 1 to the present time was 11,224.

As of Oct 22, a total of 142,838,676 doses of Covid vaccine had been administered to people -  57,029,784 first jabs, 53,522,364  second shots and 32,286,527 third and additional boosters.

Ms Traisuree said although the Covid-19 situation was steadily improving, with declining new infections, reports of the XBB subvariant of Covid-19 spreading in Singapore, Hong Kong and some European countries led the Ministry of Public Health to continue attaching importance to giving vaccine to people to build up immunity and reduce severe illnesses and deaths.

The ministry was concerned about the crowds ofpeople taking part in kathin festivals during October-November. People, particularly those in the 608 group, were advised to strictly follow desease prevention measures, including mask-wearing in enclosed areas without proper ventilation, she said.