BANGKOK, Dec 1 (TNA) – The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) ordered 252 arrivals from eight southern African countries between November 15-27 to be contacted to undergo Covid-19 testing.
Dr. Thaweesin Visanuyothin, CCSA spokesman said the CCSA meeting agreed that Thailand immediately raised the screening system for travellers, who must undergo RT-PCR tests upon arrival into the kingdom.
The Department of Disease Control assessed symptoms of Omicron infection, which were similar to those of other strains but the Omicron variant could be more transmissible. However, Covid-19 vaccination can reduce the risk of severe disease, so people should get vaccinated, he said.
In the latest development, Omicron variant was found in more countries including Portugal, Austria, Sweden, Spain and Japan. Most infections were found among returnees from southern African countries.
The CCSA spokesman said Thailand recorded 255 arrivals from Africa between Nov 15-27 and out of all, three persons had already left Thailand.
The authorities are trying to contact the rest 252 to undergo RT-PCR tests free of charge and 11 persons have been reached.
If they receive SMSs sent to inform them about the public health measures for arrivals from Africa but they don’t cooperate, they could face prosecution for violating Thailand’s disease control law. (TNA)
