New COVID-19 cases in Thailand
Of six new infections yesterday were three men who returned from Singapore. Bangkok Post reports that the men, aged 45, 53, and 56, had been previously infected with COVID-19, but were “certified virus-free” prior to flying back to Thailand.
However, all three tested positive for the virus after their arrival on Friday, said The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).
According to CCSA officials, the patients had initially caught the virus while in Singapore, but made a full recovery before flying back to Thailand. They had been certified with good health from the Thai embassy before their flight as per requirements.
Possibility of incorrect test results
It is still unclear as to how the patients have been “reinfected” with the virus. Possibilities include incorrect test results either at Singapore (a false negative), or in Thailand (false positive).
However if the men are found to have caught the virus again after recovery, it would be a cause for concern as it means that they do not have an immunity to the virus despite recovering from it – and this could mean that potential vaccines would be rendered ineffective.
The other 3 imported cases were asymptomatic – including two Thai nationals returning from the US and a 46-year-old French teacher who returned from the UK.
Thailand also reported 1 new infection today after a 27-year-old Thai worker returning from India was tested positive, bringing the tally of cases up to 3,445.
Featured Image: AP
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