Overall COVID-19 infections, which have seen a significant surge in recent days, are expected to begin levelling off although caseloads in 10 provinces may still rise, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) says.
There were 26 more COVID-19 fatalities and 14,900 new cases recorded, the Public Health Ministry reported on Monday morning.
This was compared with 24 coronavirus-related fatalities and 15,882 new cases reported on Sunday morning.
CCSA spokeswoman, Apisamai Srirangson, on Monday said the COVID-19 outlook for Thailand was positive as the surge in cases was expected to stabilise and begin falling this week.
It corresponds with a global trend where transmission and fatalities were generally declining.
Dr Srirangson said at the CCSA’s afternoon briefing that the latest 26 fatalities were people aged from between 45 to 99 years.
“All of them had underlying illnesses. Fourteen were unvaccinated.
Two had received one vaccine dose.
Two others had their second dose more than four months ago.
Two had already received their third dose but had not reached the time when their immunity would peak yet,” she said.
Since the start of the year, caseloads have consistently multiplied. However, they are likely to decrease this week.
“But we can’t be complacent yet,” she said, adding many provinces were struggling with a spike in infections.
The main concern was the rise in the number of COVID-19 patients requiring the use of respirators with fatalities is predicted to go up.
The Omicron variant is responsible for 80% of infections and the rest caused by the Delta strain. “It would not be correct to conclude that Omicron is less severe,” Dr Srirangson said.
According to the latest COVID-19 update, Bangkok had nine coronavirus-related deaths with 2,892 cases.
It is among 10 provinces where daily infections have doubled during the six weeks since the New Year.
The other provinces include Samut Prakan, Chon Buri, Nonthaburi and Phuket. This group of provinces are likely to experience fewer infections.
The CCSA was keeping a close watch on 10 other provinces that did not report a jump in infections early this year, but which may be on course to witness surging caseloads in the coming days.
They are Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, Pathum Thani, Maha Sarakham, Rayong, Roi Et, Chachoengsao, Suphan Buri, Saraburi and Phetchaburi.
