The Ministry of Public Health is urging medical staff nationwide to draw up plans so they are fully prepared to deal with Covid-19 after it is declared an endemic disease. It is also asking the public to get a booster shot to stay safe.
Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul yesterday declared his ministry’s determination to “move on”, that is to downgrade Covid-19 and allow people to return to normal life. He did not give a specific time frame.
Speaking after presiding over an event titled “Move On From Covid-19, Spend Life With Confidence” held on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Mr Anutin read out a message to all health inspectors and personnel.
In it, he asked to prepare sufficient medical treatment, hospital beds, medical supplies and equipment and vaccines to reassure the public that they will get adequate care.
“They should also come up with plans for when Covid-19 is designated an endemic,” he said.
Mr Anutin said the ministry is concerned as the target of administering boosters to 60% of the population remains far from being met.
As such, he urged those who have not yet received one to do so as soon as possible.
He said all Covid-19 vaccines procured by the government are safe and effective. Currently, there are around 20 million doses available for those in need.
Mr Anutin said the Covid-19 situation is improving with the number of new daily infections dropping below 3,000 and fatalities under 30 in recent weeks, thanks to the public’s compliance with the ministry’s health guidelines.
The Public Health Ministry has worked hard to educate the public on how to protect themselves against the virus, he noted.
“Endemic doesn’t mean the disease is no longer serious. This will be with us throughout our lifetime. We have to know how to stay safe and avoid all infection risks,” Mr Anutin said.
“There are still many people who have not been vaccinated,” he added.
