The true extent of COVID-19 infections in Thailand, namely Bangkok, continues to be laid bare in yet another day of record-high case reporting – 60 just today, health officials announced just before 3pm.
Since Sunday, what had been a trickle of reports for over a month has become a larger wave each day as new infections are traced to unsurprising sources: the capital’s nightlife and entertainment venues.
At today’s briefing, officials said 52 cases have emerged since Saturday linked to the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Fifty-seven believed to have been contracted in entertainment venues have emerged in the past seven days.
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As of Wednesday, all such venues; as well as schools, gyms, spas and more; have been ordered to shut down through the end of the month. Thailand’s SET index on Thursday tumbled along with other Asian markets, down nearly 7 points to 1,041.44 with about an hour left to trade.
Still there remains a disconnect between emergent facts and ongoing spin: Despite acknowledging that 43 of the new cases involved people coming into contact with existing infections domestically, health officials still insist local transmission of the virus is “limited.” A bold claim when they also acknowledge their inability to determine the original patients that lit the fuse on these infection clusters.
One case was identified as a news reporter. Asked which agency they were with, a Health Ministry rep said he didn’t know and told those present to get tested if they had symptoms.
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