CCSA English briefing on Wednesday 3 February 2021 (Unofficial translation)

1. The number of new cases is 795 (759 from active case finding in SamutSakhon) with 7,084 new recoveries. The number of accumulated cases stands at 21,249 of which 7,169 are active cases. There is no fatality today, with the accumulated fatalities at 79. At the global level, the number of COVID-19 cases has now surpassed 104 million cases and Thailand is ranked at 115 for number of cases.

2. Health authorities continue to find a large number of COVID-19 cases in SamutSakhon and to emphasize stringent disease control measures. They are pursuing a strategy called “sealed and bubble” to contain and isolate confirmed cases in this province.

3. Recently, a large number of new COVID-19 cases have come from transmissions within the family. The Ministry of Public Health has expressed its concern on the risk of spreading the virus through shared meals in the household and has recommended everyone to use their own utensils.

4. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced that some businesses in Bangkok remain closed. The list includes entertainment venues, such as pubs, bars, and karaoke venues, as well as cockfighting rings, fighting-fish venues, and similar places. Massage parlours also remain closed. In addition, pre-school child development centres, and child care centres, located in the high-risk areas of Bang KhunThian, Bang Phlat, Chom Thong, and Thonburi districts in Bangkok will remain closed until further notice.

5. Recently, the Government has approved additional relief measures to assist people and businesses affected by COVID-19. This reflects the Government’s efforts to balance measures to protect people’s lives with measures to protect people’s livelihoods, which is a difficult balancing act that is being pursued by governments worldwide.

6. Thailand was ranked 4th out of 98 countries in the world for its effective response to COVID-19 according to a report by the Lowy Institute of Australia. Thailand’s success is attributed to its whole-of-society approach in combatting the virus and cooperation between the Government, businesses, and society.

7. CCSA would like to extend its congratulations to the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) for receiving the World Health Organization’s Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2021 in recognition of its significant contribution to health promotion. All the credit goes to healthcare workers who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to protecting society and courageously putting their own lives on the line for the sake of us all.

8. CCSA would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Badminton Association of Thailand and its partners for successfully hosting three major world badminton tournaments in Bangkok last month under the “New Normal” format. This proves that Thailand’s organization quarantine system is efficient in preparing for such major international events that require physical presence during the COVID-19 situation.

9. Today (3 February) marks “Thai Veterans Day.” CCSA would like to commemorate all the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect our country and to make Thailand independent till this day. We invite everyone to buy a red poppy and related handicrafts to support the War Veterans Organization of Thailand.

Full CCSA English briefing can be viewed here >>> https://fb.watch/3q0DqodY6y/

Source: CCSA and Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)