Thailand’s daily new COVID-19 infection rate continues to decrease, with 6 cases reported today (Friday).
Of the six new cases, one is an unemployed 64-year old Thai, who is reported to have visited a market in Bangkok, said Taweesin as he raised concerns about the reopening of markets.
The other five cases are residents of Banang Sata district in Yala province, aged between 21 and 54, who contracted the disease from pilgrims returning from Malaysia.
Accumulated infections to date in the country are 2,960 and recoveries have increased by 32 to 2,719, with the 187 cases still in hospital representing a new low. The death toll remains at 54 with no new fatalities reported today.
CCSA spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin said today that he is pleased with the continuing steady decline in new infections, but pointed out at the relaxation of lockdown restrictions, due to begin on Sunday, requires full cooperation from all concerned.
Citing social media reports of mass movements of people heading out of Bangkok, ahead of the long weekend, he admitted that he is worried, because a key element in preventing the spread of the disease is for people to stay at home and to avoid travelling.
He disclosed that more than 800,000 people left Bangkok on April 16th, by public transport and private cars, and the numbers increased to more than 840,000 and 960,000 on April 23rd and April 30th respectively.
“The figures show that the people are feel more relaxed and are spending more time out-doors,” he said, as he reminded the public of the need to stay at home to control the spread of the virus.
Twenty-six provinces have reported no new infections for the past 28 days and nine provinces have not reported a single case of COVID-19. Kalasin, Buri Ram and Nong Khai have reported no infections for over a month.
A total of 3,381 Thais returned from 23 different countries between April 4th and 30th. 165 are expected to arrive today from Singapore and 38 from Nepal. 130 others are to arrive tomorrow from the UAE, 35 from the Netherlands and 55 from Kazakhstan.
Dr. Taweesin noted that US doctors are repeatedly warning that premature easing of lockdown restrictions by several state governors could lead to the eruption of a second wave of infection, which will be much more serious.
He reminded everyone of the risk when venturing outdoors, noting that there are still new infections, although the numbers have slowed.
