The Department of Medical Services (DMS) is planning to modify its Covid-19 guidelines to allow asymptomatic sufferers to isolate for only five times.
The news came from DMS director-general Dr Somsak Akksilp yesterday. However , this individual said the length for patients with severe symptoms necessary to be treated in hospital will be determined by doctors, he said.
Currently, Thailand has a 5+5 policy (five days of quarantine and five days of observation) for asymptomatic individuals, he said.
Hospitals in the provinces may determine whether patients must be isolated for up to seven days amid bed disadvantages, he said.
Afterwards, individuals are monitored plus must comply with the particular department’s safety rules, which require the regular washing of fingers, wearing of nose and mouth mask and social isolating, until the 10th day, he said.
However , Doctor Thira Woratanarat, lecturer at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, said five times is not enough in order to curb transmissions from the coronavirus.
Dr Thira on Facebook also said the 5+5 plan is not based on academic principles.
Although the policy can benefit the economy, the end result will have a widespread impact on society, which includes businesses, amid further infections, he stated.
Additionally , a patient may endure long-Covid symptoms and bear high healthcare expenses, he mentioned.
Citing research from the Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States and the Imperial University London in the United Kingdom, he said being quarantined for only 5 days poses a 50–75% transmission danger, compared to 25-35% just for seven days and at 10% for 10 days.
A total quarantine period of 14 days is definitely confirmed safe, this individual said.
The Centre pertaining to Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) yesterday reported 1, 968 brand new cases, taking the total number to 63 mil. It reported 27 deaths.
The CCSA declared that 2, 252 sufferers stopped showing symptoms, while 19, 624 others were nevertheless being treated, along with 446 of whom were dependent on ventilators.