Pol.Capt. Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, BMA Spokesman, revealed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic situation in the area of Bangkok Metropolis. At present, COVID-19 infections were detected in 3 major construction worker camps and dormitories, namely, one in Lak Si district and two in Vadhana district. In Lak Si district, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) adopted disease control method previously used by Samut Sakhon province which is called Bubble and Seal measure. The BMA has received full cooperation from the owners of construction worker camps in putting restriction in the premises so that all construction workers stay in the same area without moving outside. COVID-19 rapid testing will be conducted after 14 days. If anyone are found sick with symptoms, they will be admitted to hospital for treatment. Overall, all construction workers in the camps are healthy and can still work normally. The BMA will provide knowledge to owners and caretakers of construction worker camps or on-site dormitories to have better understanding on good hygienic practices. Active case finding will also be conducted in 6 neighboring communities surrounding the construction worker camps which is expected to finish within 1 – 2 days. For the two construction worker camps in Vadhana district, all infected persons were admitted to hospital. Those who are not infected are now in isolation for observation of symptoms.
Regarding the method in providing COVID-19 vaccination service in the area of Bangkok Metropolis, the BMA is now in the process of inoculating medical personnel and frontline officers who at higher risk of contracting the disease. This target group also includes personnel who stationed at the field hospitals and quarantine facilities which are now increasing in numbers. Moreover, people in occupational risk groups and public mass transport service providers who in each day have to contact with a large number of people are also vaccinated. Delivery persons will be added to the target group. Once COVID-19 vaccines are completely provided to this target group, other groups will be next in the line to have vaccination service.
The Royal Thai Government plans to allocate more COVID-19 vaccines to the BMA because several COVID-19 clusters with high risk in disease transmission have been found in Bangkok. In June, it is expected that approximately 2.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be allocated to the BMA and in July, additional 2.5 million doses will be allocated. Therefore, the BMA needs to accelerate its vaccination service and extend its service to cover the general public aged 18 – 59 years 10 months who will get vaccines at COVID-19 vaccination service units outside hospital. Currently, it is now in the process of defining methods and enhancing COVID-19 vaccine reservation system to have higher efficiency and provide access to all groups of people. As for the elderly aged 60 years and people in 7 disease groups who have already registered via MorProm system or other channels, they must receive vaccination service only at the designated hospitals because these groups need close medical attention.
