(March 4, 2021) At Rattanakosin Room, Bangkok City Hall: Pol.Gen. Aswin Kwanmuang, Governor of Bangkok, chaired executive meeting of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), No. 3/2021 using video conferencing system.
At the meeting, representatives from the BMA Health Department and Medical Service Department reported the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) situation and preparation of COVID-19 vaccination service in Bangkok area. Regarding the number of confirmed cases reported amid the new surge of COVID-19 during December 15, 2020 – March 3, 2021, classified by risk level, it is found that the groups with the highest risk are in the following order: 196 close contacts in family, 171 people who visited entertainment venues, 165 people who traveled to public places such as flea markets and tourist attractions, 149 people related to Samut Sakhon cluster and 145 close contacts in workplace. In addition, the Health Department together with other relevant organizations have planned to conduct active case findings in 700 communities in districts connecting to Pathum Thani province and Samut Sakhon province. Target districts are divided into 1) the target group of 5 districts located near Pathum Thani province, namely Donmuang district, Sai Mai district, Lak Si district, Bang Khen district and Khlong Sam Wa district, with the total of 410 communities and 2) the target group of 6 maximum controlled districts, namely Nong Khaem district, Bang Khun Thian district, Bang Khae district, Chom Thong district, Bang Bon district, Phasi Charoen district, with the total of 290 communities. 50 people from each community will be tested. Active case findings will be started in both groups of target districts during March 11 – 13, 2021.
Regarding the plan and goal in the BMA COVID-19 vaccination service program during the first stage of vaccine rollout in March, the first week targets to inoculate healthcare and medical personnel and frontline healthcare workers from both public and private sectors. In the second week, the target group will be the BMA public health volunteers and officials whose works are related to the prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic in 6 risk districts. During the third to the fifth weeks, the target group will be seven chronic diseases risk groups. Nevertheless, the period of vaccination service for the target groups may be delayed as every step of administration needs deliberation and takes into consideration the utmost safety of COVID-19 vaccine recipients.
The meeting resolved to assign the Health Department, Medical Service Department, and Public Relations Office to rapidly and actively publicize information on steps of vaccination service to create better understanding in order to reduce worry and anxiety, and answer questions of the public. Furthermore, vaccination service program must be carried out systematically and avoid overcrowding in hospitals and health facilities which will cause the spread of disease.
