File photo for reference only

 

In response to the seasonal rise in Covid-19 cases, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) has stated that schools in Thailand should remain open, provided proper screening and isolation measures are enacted. Dr Jurai Wongsawat, the DDC spokeswoman, noted that recent outbreaks have been detected across various settings, with significant clusters in prisons, schools, military camps, and hospitals.

 

Dr Jurai emphasised that intensified screening and home isolation for those infected are adequate measures to control the virus's spread within educational institutions. She advised against school closures except in severe cases where containment becomes challenging. Schools are urged to notify healthcare officials if multiple cases arise in a single classroom within a week.

 

Despite these directives, many schools have opted to switch to online classes as a precautionary measure. The rise in infections is anticipated during the rainy season, which typically brings increased flu activity. Children remain a high-risk group for the virus.

 

Commenting on the current outbreak, Dr Jurai pointed out that the surge mirrors trends in countries like Singapore and China, although with reduced severity. Thailand has seen a steep rise in cases after the Songkran festival, with reported infections jumping from around 9,000 in late April to over 67,000 by late May.

 

The DDC marks the infection rate at 326 cases per 100,000 people, but the fatality rate is relatively low at 0.08 deaths per 100,000. Elderly patients, particularly those with lung complications, constitute most of the fatalities.

 

Currently, the JN.1 variant is the prevalent strain in Thailand, accounting for the majority of cases, while the XEC variant declines in presence, aligning with global patterns.

 

In guidance from the Ministry of Public Health, preventive measures are strongly encouraged, including mask-wearing, regular handwashing, and avoiding crowded places. Travellers returning from regions experiencing outbreaks are particularly advised to monitor their health closely.

 

Overall, the DDC remains confident that with appropriate measures, educational environments can continue to operate safely amidst the current Covid-19 surge.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-29

 

 

Thank goodness for that (for the moment anyway).  Hopefully, unlike during the pandemic, education will be prioritised and not scaremongering and panic measures.