Thailand reports decline in new COVID-19 infections

Praram 9 hospital in Bangkok capital city of Thailand (Photo: VNA)

Bangkok (VNA) - Thailand on April 12 confirmed 33 new SARS-CoV-2 infections and three three more deaths, bringing the country's total number of COVID-19 patients to 2,551 and the toll to 38.

The number of confirmed new cases was lower than the 45 recorded one day earlier, and marks the fourth straight day of decline.

Bangkok reported the largest number of infections, while largest transmission rate was seen in Phuket. 

Besides, the Thai government is warning that the COVID-19 can be contracted within people's own homes after significant transmissions were recorded among family members between April 4 and 10.

As many as 144 of the 495 new infections reported in the period, or 29 percent, are people who were in close contact with existing patients. Up to 56 percent in this group contracted the virus from family members, especially spouses, according to the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration.

The second-highest amount of transmissions occurred in workplaces at 23 percent, followed by 18 percent  at social gatherings and 3 percent from other sources.

All COVID-19 patients will be treated for free at all hospitals in Thailand, with the costs paid by three healthcare funds, effective retroactively from March 5.

Under a Public Health Ministry announcement, all hospitals, public and private, must do their best to treat the patients without delay until they are out of immediate danger or transferred to other hospitals based on their coverage. They may not charge the patients but can bill the National Health Security Office (NHSO) later.

A patient will have to pay medical bills only when he chooses not to be treated at the hospital he is entitled to use.

The country will also need up to 400 experienced nurses to take care of the growing number of COVID-19 patients.

President of Thailand Nursing Midwifery Council Thassana Boonthong said nurses specialised in caring for patients in critical condition are in high demand as hospitals are allocating more beds for COVID-19 patients./.