COVID-19 Could Be Classified As Endemic By July

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health believes that the COVID-19 situation has improved enough for the disease to be classified as endemic by July.

Government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has credited the improvements achieved to the government’s vaccination campaign and improvement with the healthcare system. The PM acknowledged the public in following illness preventive measures. While Thailand’s infection rate remains high, it has started to decline. Yesterday, the kingdom recorded 21,881 new cases, a decrease from Saturday’s 22,818. However, the number of deaths associated with COVID-19 increased from 52 on Saturday to 59 yesterday.

CCSA’s Dr. Sumanee Watcharasin said that several regions and countries, including India, Spain, and California are preparing to see COVID-19 as an endemic. Once the virus is classified as endemic, individuals and businesses can resume their normal routine before the pandemic. Sumanee says the health ministry collaborated with various government organizations and colleges to conduct a study on 8 places identified as viral hotspots, as well as 44 areas with low infection rates.

The study indicated that Thailand has effectively controlled the pandemic through preventive measures such as vaccination rollout, availability of medical facilities and medicine, and disease prevention campaigns.  Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients may now undergo outpatient therapy and recover at home.

The government supports the development of new vaccines and medical treatments, which has resulted in a decrease in infection rates. Sumanee notes that most countries are optimistic that the pandemic is going to end due to new variants being less dangerous.

Source: Nation Thailand

For more information on how to get into Thailand hassle-free using a Thailand Elite Visa, CLICK HERE.  Apply now and get a free 3 months visa extension.