Thailand records over 95,000 COVID-19 cases, 14 deaths this year

A total of 95,357 COVID-19 cases, including 14 deaths, have been recorded in Thailand from the beginning of this year to August 28, representing an infection rate of 144.76 cases and a fatality rate of 0.02 deaths per 100,000 people, according to the Department of Disease Control.

The department’s director-general, Dr Monthien Kanasawat, said today that COVID-19 infections tend to increase alongside other respiratory diseases, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Citing GISAID data from the Department of Medical Sciences, he said the Omicron sub-variant NB.1.8.1 is dominant in Thailand, accounting for 490 of 978 infections (50.10%), followed by 246 cases of the JU.1 sub-variant (25.15%), 82 cases of XEC (8.38%), 76 cases of XFG (7.77%) and eight cases of BA.3.2 (0.82%).

Dr Monthien said the increase in COVID-19 cases at this time of year could lead to clusters of infections in schools, workplaces and communities. He advised members of the public to take care of their health and watch out for symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose, headache and fatigue.

He said taking care of oneself is the easiest way to prevent infection and urged people to help prevent the spread of the disease by wearing face masks in crowded places.

Meanwhile, he urged the public not to panic over false reports and to keep abreast of information from the Ministry of Public Health.