Thailand to procure more COVID-19 test kits and speed up distribution amid new wave

14 Sept 01:50 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Public Health Minister ordered the procurement of more rapid antigen test kits (ATKs) and accelerated distribution of existing stock to meet rising domestic demand, assuring no immediate shortages.
New guidelines prioritize general hospital beds for severe Omicron cases, directing asymptomatic and mild cases to home isolation or community facilities.
Hospitals are instructed to stock up on medication and necessities, as nationwide bed occupancy reached 22.7%, with 30.7% in Bangkok.
Level 1 hospital beds are reserved for vulnerable groups, including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying diseases, while mild cases are encouraged to use home or community isolation.

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.