Thailand Ministry of Health reports 20,455 new COVID-19 cases and an additional 128 deaths since yesterday. The ministry also announced an additional 25,933 patients recovered from the COVID-19 virus.
The Department of Disease Control (DoDC) estimates that the country’s herd immunity is at 50%. This is far from the recommended 80%. DoDC epidemiology division Director Dr. Chakkarat Pitayowonganon tallied the reports based on recorded data. About 10% of the total population has contracted the virus thus far. He added these numbers to those who are fully vaccinated with a booster shot and the total reached 50%.
He said that the best solution is to continue to push everyone to obtain booster shots. This goes especially for the elderly and those with underlying illnesses.
Most of the people who were vaccinated were of the working age, during the Songkran holidays, it was also the time when most of them attended gatherings. The risk of them contracting the virus is minimal since they have mostly received their booster shots. On the other hand, for the elderly and those at risk, only 55% of them are vaccinated. They are the ones at risk of contracting the virus which raises concerns of high caseloads, post-Songkran.
Although the cases are falling, it can also stem from lesser RT-PCR tests and ATK tests conducted. There might be cases that are active but not recorded. There are many things that are riding on the results of the Songkran holidays. If it is successfully contained, among the changes that could be implemented is the easing of restrictions and full reopening of the country. This could mean that the Test and Go package could be replaced by an ATK test as early as May 1.