The Public Health Ministry has launched a campaign to provide at least two million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to people before the end of the year as the virus remains a threat, especially to vulnerable groups.
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed health volunteers to identify vulnerable groups, said deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul.
That will include the elderly, pregnant women, and those suffering from underlying ailments.
Health volunteers are encouraged to have at least one booster shot to set an example for vulnerable groups, Ms Traisuree said.
Despite domestic Covid-19 caseloads remaining low for some time, the virus has been detected in Singapore, Hong Kong, and some countries in Europe. The strain most prevalent there is the XBB variant which is being closely monitored.
The deputy spokeswoman said the Public Health Ministry is therefore continuing with its policy of providing vaccines in a bid to boost their immunity and prevent hospitalisation and death.
With the country staging religious events to observe kathin, the monk robe-presentation ceremony, to mark the end of the Buddhist Lent nationwide, people are expected to gather in large groups to make merit, raising the danger of a mass transmission.
Merit makers are advised to wear face masks in poorly ventilated public environments, wash their hands and use hand sanitiser liquid often, Ms Traisuree said.
Anyone at risk of contracting the virus should use antigen test kits to test themselves.
From Oct 16-22, some 2,616 people were infected with Covid-19 and hospitalised — 373 cases a day on average. This was an increase from the previous period from Oct 9-15 when 2,234 people, or an average of 319 per day, came down with the virus and required hospitalisation, according to the Department of Disease Control.
Since Jan 1, 2,466,462 people have been infected with Covid-19.
The number of fatalities from Oct 16-22 was recorded at 40, down from 53 in the previous week. In total, 11,224 people have died from Covid-19 since Jan 1. As of Oct 22, 142 million doses of Covid-19 have been administered.