Thailand has strong capacities for case detection, risk assessment, case investigation, laboratory diagnosis, clinical management, infection prevention and control, as well as risk communication, the World Health Organization said.

BANGKOK, 24 February 2020: According to WHO’s Covid-19 observations on Thailand, the UN agency commends the country for its health screening and surveillance systems at points of entry into the country as well as noting nationwide measures to detect and quarantine are robust.

WHO noted that “Thailand has the capability to track suspected cases quickly, allowing health authorities to implement protocols to ensure isolation, contact tracing, testing and treatment of symptoms”.

WHO and Thailand’s Ministry of Public have been working closely through a special advisory group formed to tackle the virus outbreak since the crisis began.

WHO stated: “With WHO support, the National Institute of Health of Thailand is carrying out specimen testing for other countries as requested. “This level of support is currently being provided to Myanmar and support will be offered to Indonesia. Support for the Maldives is also under discussion with AFRIMS, Thailand (Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences).
As of February 23, the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand confirmed 35 cases with 14 undergoing treatment in the country and 21 have recovered and returned home.

WHO has not announced specific health recommendations for travelers. However, it suggests the general public should take self-preventive measures that include avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections. They should wash their hands frequently, especially after direct contact with sick people or with the nearby environment and avoid unprotected contact with farm or wild animals.

Adding to the already robust measures in place, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has raised the level of preventive measures at eight popular tourist provinces nationwide including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Phuket and Krabi.

"Our proactive actions launched in those tourist provinces will eventually boost traveler confidence," said the ministry’s spokesperson.

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