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Health minister attempts to allay fears over planned COVID-19 dangerous infectious disease designation

Health minister attempts to allay fears over planned COVID-19 dangerous infectious disease designation

13 Sept 19:21 Key points summarised by AI
  • Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urges calm regarding the proposal to classify COVID-19 as Thailand's 14th dangerous infectious disease.
  • The designation aims to empower medical personnel and provide legal backing for official actions, such as community lockdowns for screening, to contain the virus.
  • Thailand has successfully managed 13 previous dangerous infectious diseases like SARS and MERS using similar designations, demonstrating effective containment strategies.
  • Chief virologist Dr. Yong Phusuwan supports maximum measures to prevent 'super spread,' citing historical outbreaks like SARS in Singapore and MERS in South Korea, and the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
  • Dr. Yong emphasizes the critical importance of isolating sick individuals, even without confirmed infection, to effectively curb the disease's transmission.
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