Chiang Mai to open 2nd field hospital as infections jump
Chiang Mai is set to open a new field hospital at Maejo University in San Sai district after the province reported 270 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, driving up the accumulated cases there to 1,461 patients since the new wave began in late March.
“The field hospital at Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre is currently treating about 1,200 patients, while it has a capacity of 1,500 beds,” field hospital director Dr Amphon Iamsri said.
“We are planning to add 500 beds to this hospital, and open a second field hospital at Maejo University with a capacity of 400 beds on Friday [April 15].”
Maejo University rector Assoc Prof Dr Weerapon Thongma said the patients to be treated at the university field hospital must be screened first at the convention centre hospital as the campus can accommodate only patients with non-severe symptoms.
“We have also built additional restrooms on the campus for patients and public health staff,” he added.
Meanwhile, San Sai district chief Siwa Thamikanon said the local administrative organisations under his jurisdiction have agreed to dispatch 20 health volunteers each day to work at Maejo University to ensure the second field hospital operates smoothly.
