Health Minister returns from Europe with Covid-19

PUBLIC Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul tested positive for Covid-19 after spending nearly a week in Europe.

The minister took an ATK test after developing irritation in his throat and body ache, and the result came out positive.

Anutin’s symptoms did not worsen as he is fully vaccinated, but he has been instructed to isolate for a week.

As for the rest of his delegation, the doctor has advised them to always wear a mask and avoid public areas.

Anutin was likely infected at one of the meetings he attended as he had come into contact with several people.

Anutin attended the 170th General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions in the French capital from June 19 to 21.

Then he travelled to Geneva in Switzerland to attend the 50th United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids Programme Coordinating Board conference at the World Health Organisation headquarters from June 21 to 24.

Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Kiatiphum Wongrajit said this will not affect the country’s reopening plans as 80% of Thailand’s population is vaccinated, while measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 are in place in hospitals and risky areas.

He advised people to always wear masks when in crowded places.

He also confirmed that Thailand’s public health system is well prepared to tackle new cases as there are enough beds, medical personnel and medicine. — The Nation/ANN