Delta variant to replace Alpha strain globally in next 4-5 months – Dr. Yong Poovorawan

14 Sept 02:07 Key points summarised by AI

Respected Thai virologist Dr. Yong Poovorawan predicts the Delta variant will replace the Alpha strain as the globally dominant COVID-19 variant within 4-5 months due to its 1.4 times higher transmissibility.
While symptom severity is similar, the Delta variant impacts the efficacy of current vaccines, with studies showing approximately a 10% drop for Pfizer and AstraZeneca.
Dr. Yong stresses the urgent need for second-generation vaccines, which are at least six months away, and urges public cooperation in Thailand to delay the Delta variant's spread and contain the pandemic, warning that high infection rates will deter foreign tourism.

Flooding persists in Bangkok and 22 provinces

Today 16:00 Key points summarised by AI

Persistent flooding continues across Bangkok and 22 Thai provinces, though water levels are gradually receding in many affected areas.
Over 604,000 families, impacting approximately 1.83 million people, are still grappling with the widespread flood conditions.
The national flood death toll has reached 80 since mid-September, with fatalities reported across various provinces.
Major regions like Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok report significant numbers of affected households, with hundreds of thousands still in trouble.