What dangers come with Beta, Bangkok’s latest COVID variant?

14 Sept 02:16 Key points summarised by AI

The Beta variant (B1.351) has reached Bangkok, raising alarms due to its ability to significantly blunt the efficacy of most COVID-19 vaccines, allowing it to evade the immune system.
Despite its vaccine-evading properties, Beta is less transmissible than other variants of concern like Alpha and Delta, which are currently driving Thailand's more severe outbreaks.
The variant entered Thailand through a border breach in Narathiwat and subsequently arrived in Bangkok via inter-province travel, prompting authorities to contain its spread.
Medical experts express greater concern over the highly transmissible Alpha and Delta variants, with Delta projected to become the dominant strain in Thailand within months.

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.