The number of new Covid-19 infections has come down to an average of 21 cases per day, in line with the declining numbers of new cases observed in many countries across the globe, according to the Public Health Ministry.
That said, the ministry will continue to administer long-acting antibodies (LAAB) to individuals who are considered prone to catching the disease until the end of May, including the elderly and those who are suffering from chronic health problems.
The permanent secretary for public health, Opas Karnkawinpong said yesterday that between March 19-25, there were 150 new Covid-19 patients — 30 of whom developed lung-related complications, while 19 require breathing assistance.
The six deaths reported in the same period involved unvaccinated individuals and/or individuals who last had their booster shots over three months before getting infected, he said.
To date, over 60,000 people have received LAAB treatments. Follow-up studies carried out by the government have shown that such treatment helps reduce the risk of death from Covid-19 by 48% when compared to those who were unvaccinated.
Dr Opas said the antibodies would be delivered to nursing homes, bed-ridden patients and people who require dialysis. Health inspectors from all districts have been ordered to administer the treatments to targeted individuals in their respective areas by the end of May.
Moreover, Dr Opas noted that while subvariant XBB.1.16 from India is now the most common variation, infections involving subvariants XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.9.1 are likely to increase.