Thailand reports first case of Omicron variant
The recent decline in the number of daily Covid-19 cases in Thailand gave the signal for all of us to pack our bags and plan some much-awaited trips over the upcoming holidays.
However, it seems that Covid-19 had other plans. The World Health Organization recently publicised information about the new ‘Omicron’ variant of Covid-19, which has been found in many countries. Now, including Thailand.
Here’s the news about Thailand’s first Omicron case.
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Thailand’s first case of the Omicron variant
On 6th November 2021, a US businessman, 35, who arrived in Thailand from Spain tested positive for Omicron.
This marks the country’s first case of the new variant, according to the announcement issued by Department of Medical Sciences Director-General Supakit Sirilak.
Image credit: กรมควบคุมโรค กระทรวงสาธารณะสุข
The Director-General revealed to the press that the man underwent a RT-PCR test before taking Emirates Airline flight EK372 to Thailand and received a positive result for Omicron the day after.
Image credit: กรมควบคุมโรค กระทรวงสาธารณะสุข
The test confirmed with 99.92% accuracy that the businessman was infected with the new variant. Furthermore, he has reportedly been in close contact with two airport staff members and 17 hotel staff members, reported the Department of Disease Control.
Understandably, people aren’t exactly too pleased with the news.
Netizens react to the discovery of Thailand’s first Omicron variant case
After the news was posted on social media, many netizens shared their comments on the report of Thailand’s first case of the Omicron variant.
Screenshot: อีจัน
Translation: Thai residents just got a New Year’s gift.
One netizen commented that Thai people received the Omicron variant as a New Year’s gift.
Screenshot: อีจัน
Translation: Welcome to Thailand.
Another netizen even greeted the virus and gave it a warm welcome as a joke.
Screenshot: อีจัน
Translation: It’s spreading all over now. He’s in quarantine, but the virus is airborne, and those who took the same flight must have a high risk of infection. OMG, so many things to worry about.
One Facebook user expressed her worriness if the virus is spreading now in Thailand.
Practice proper hygiene to stay safe
Reports about Thailand’s first case of the Omicron variant have made residents concerned about another difficult situation.
While it’s an understandable worry, it seems the best way for us to prevent this from happening is to continue practicing proper hygiene measures like washing our hands regularly and wearing masks.
With this, we can help to lower the number of Covid-19 cases and start a new chapter of our lives in 2022 – hopefully without the daily reporting of high amounts of new Covid-19 cases.
Cover images adapted from (L-R): Alamy via Traveller, Geralt via Pixabay
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