Party sees virus infections jump to 70

Eleven Thais were infected through close contact with a single mutual friend, a Hong Kong visitor who arrived in Thailand on February 21 and by February 25 had a high fever and was shivering and coughing but continued to socialise, Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Sukhum Karnchanapimai reported.

The Thais and their friend, all attending a wedding, shared personal utensils, drank alcohol from the same glasses and even shared cigarettes. 

The Hong Kong visitor returned home.

Family, friends and other guests at the wedding were advised to undergo tests. All who have done so thus far have tested negative.

Sukhum said the current tally was 70 confirmed infections, 35 discharged, 34 still under medical care, and one death.

Among the victims most recently discharged was a woman who had visited Japan with her husband. The condition of the husband and their granddaughter, who they infected on their return, is improving.

Sukhum reiterated that visitors from high-risk locales must be quarantined for 14 days in a hotel or a government facility. Thais returning from such locales can be quarantined at home or a designated facility under medical and state observation.

He said the ministry expects to have ready by next week a test kit that can swiftly indicate infection. Hospitals upcountry will meanwhile be able to run tests that promise to enhance in-country disease detection two- or threefold.

The World Health Organisation on Wednesday declared the Covid-19 outbreak a pandemic, citing more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries and territories and 4,291 deaths.