Corona Virus / COVID-19 Important Information

[pipoz4444]

I took this from John Hopkins University web site

It may provide some useful information on how long the virus can live on surfaces outside the body on surfaces. It would appear that the virus has a longer survival life on Plastics, which are unfortunately most of what we touch in this days and age - 72 Hours, but potential some good news, related to catching it from plastics, below.

Extract: What's getting a lot of press and is presented out of context is that the virus can last on plastic for 72 hours—which sounds really scary. But what's more important is the amount of the virus that remains. It's less than 0.1% of the starting virus material. Infection is theoretically possible but unlikely at the levels remaining after a few days. People need to know this.


https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/03/20/sars-cov ... -surfaces/

pipoz4444

[vincemunday]

BKK hospital are doing Covid 19 checks for 6500 baht if you don't have respiratory problems, useful info if you are worried

[vincemunday]

Help Lines

[tamada]

The Office of International Cooperation, Department of Disease Control (DDC), Ministry of Public Health has opened a dedicated hotline for foreigners in Thailand to inquire about COVID-19 related matters at +66 (0) 96 847 8209 or +66 (0) 92 726 0474, from 08.00 – 20.00 Hrs. Thailand local time.

[vincemunday]

Now seems a good time to put this up again, some of the really important stuff is being lost amongst stuff that perhaps isn't.

[Stantheman]

Thanks Vince,
Here is another to show allergies

[vincemunday]

I know it's difficult, particularly for some but please keep this thread free from thoughts, ideas, news flashes, conjecture and keep it for IMPORTANT INFORMATION, think of it as somewhere to go to if you're not feeling too well and want to check out your symptoms or find a telephone number or indeed let's hope it's not necessary ask for help and assistance. Stay safe and well.

[vincemunday]

This was posted by Semperfiguy on another thread but I feel it contains a lot of useful advice for people who are around people with Covid 19 or are showing the symptoms of it themselves, it's definitely worth a look. Thanks SFG.

https://vimeo.com/399733860

[Udon Map]

A passenger in a van from Kalasin to Udon on March 23 has tested positive for COVID-19.

The van left Kalasin at 3 p.m. and arrived in Udon at 6 p.m. on March 23.

If you were a passenger in that van, please call 084-4286982 immediately and self-quarantine at home for 14 days.

This is an enforceable government mandate, -- you must call and must quarantine for 14 days.

[Udon Map]

HOW LONG CAN THE VIRUS THAT CAUSES COVID-19 LIVE ON SURFACES?

Carolyn Machamer, a cell biologist who specializes in coronaviruses, discusses the latest research on the virus that causes COVID-19

From Hub, the Johns Hopkins University Magazine
By: Samuel Volkin

According to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can live in the air and on surfaces between several hours and several days. The study found that the virus is viable for up to 72 hours on plastics, 48 hours on stainless steel, 24 hours on cardboard, and 4 hours on copper. It is also detectable in the air for three hours.

Carolyn Machamer, a professor of cell biology whose lab at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine has studied the basic biology of coronaviruses for years, joined Johns Hopkins MPH/MBA candidate Samuel Volkin for a brief discussion of these findings and what they mean for efforts to protect against spread of the virus. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Volkin: According to this report, it sounds like the COVID-19 virus is potentially living on surfaces for days. How worried should we be about our risk of becoming infected simply by touching something an infected person was in contact with days ago?

Machamer: What's getting a lot of press and is presented out of context is that the virus can last on plastic for 72 hours—which sounds really scary. But what's more important is the amount of the virus that remains. It's less than 0.1% of the starting virus material. Infection is theoretically possible but unlikely at the levels remaining after a few days. People need to know this.

While the New England Journal of Medicine study found that the COVID virus can be detected in the air for 3 hours, in nature, respiratory droplets sink to the ground faster than the aerosols produced in this study. The experimental aerosols used in labs are smaller than what comes out of a cough or sneeze, so they remain in the air at face-level longer than heavier particles would in nature

Volkin: What is the best way I can protect myself, knowing that the virus that causes COVID-19 lives on surfaces?

Machamer: You are more likely to catch the infection through the air if you are next to someone infected than off of a surface. Cleaning surfaces with disinfectant or soap is very effective because once the oily surface coat of the virus is disabled, there is no way the virus can infect a host cell. However, there cannot be an overabundance of caution. Nothing like this has ever happened before.

The CDC guidelines on how to protect yourself include:

● Clean and disinfect surfaces that many people come in contact with. These include tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Avoid touching high-contact surfaces in public.
● Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds immediately when you return home from a public place such as the bank or grocery store.
● When in a public space, put a distance of six feet between yourself and others.
● Most importantly, stay home if you are sick and contact your doctor.

Volkin: There has been speculation that once the summer season arrives and the weather warms up, the virus won't survive, but we don't yet know if that is true. Does the weather or indoor temperature affect the survival of the COVID-19 virus on surfaces?

Machamer: There is no evidence one way or the other. The virus's viability in exposure to heat or cold has not been studied. But it does bear pointing out that the New England Journal of Medicine study was performed at about room temperature, 21-23 degrees Celsius.

Volkin: How does the virus that causes COVID-19 compare with other coronaviruses, and why are we seeing so many more cases?

Machamer: SARS-CoV-2 behaves like a typical respiratory coronavirus in the basic mechanisms of infection and replication. But several mutations allow it to bind tighter to its host receptor and increase its transmissibility, which is thought to make it more infectious.

The New England Journal of Medicine study suggests that the stability of SARS-CoV-2 is very similar to that of SARS-CoV1, the virus that caused the 2002-2003 SARS global outbreak. But, researchers believe people can carry high viral loads of the SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract without recognizing any symptoms, allowing them to shed and transmit the virus while asymptomatic.


Courtesy of John Hopkins University
https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/03/20/sars-cov ... -surfaces/

(Note: This is the article linked in pipoz4444's post, above.)

[vincemunday]

This isn’t light reading, it describes how the virus attacks your body, this is perhaps important to some, stay safe.

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandso ... 5644545600

[parrot]

I know nothing more than what's in the email I received from a longtime resident of Laos this morning:

RECEIVED AT 11:30 AM TODAY

---

Security Alert - U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos (March 30, 2020)

Location: Laos

Event: Possible Evacuation Flights for United States Citizens

The Department of State is preparing potential evacuation flights with capacity for private U.S. citizens on a reimbursable basis, leaving Wattay International Airport in early April 2020, and proceeding to a destination in the United States TBD. Estimated cost per passenger will be $1125. Details on the destination of the flight are forthcoming; passengers will be responsible for booking domestic flights to their final destinations.

Please note that all passengers will need to reimburse the U.S. Government for the flight, and a promissory note must be signed before boarding.

U.S. citizens in possession of valid U.S. passports who are interested and prepared to travel should complete this survey <https://forms.office.com/Pages/Response ... DUC4u>HERE immediately. Please do not call to confirm receipt of your email; you will be contacted with additional information.

Each traveler should submit their information individually (one form per passenger). Parents/guardians should submit one form for each child that will be accompanying them, and note their relationship in the “Special Considerations” box in the form.

U.S. citizens without a valid U.S. passport who wish to depart on this flight should send their name, date of birth, and the number of their most recent expired passport to laosevac@state.gov. Please indicate that the passport is expired. You will be contacted with information on how to obtain an emergency passport.

U.S. Legal Permanent Residents (holders of valid Green Cards) who wish to depart on this flight should send their name, date of birth, and A number (Green Card number) to laosevac@state.gov.

Individuals on this transport may be subject to CDC screening, health observation, monitoring requirements and existing DHS entry requirements. Visit the <https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outl ... Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.

Actions to Take:

· Consult the <https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outl ... rved=0>CDC website for the most up-to-date information.

· For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the <https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outl ... ed=0>CDC’s latest recommendations.

· Visit the <https://travel.state.gov/content/travel ... k>COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.

· Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions. Visit our <https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outl ... =0>Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Laos.

· Visit the <https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outl ... Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.

Assistance:

· U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos
+856 (0)21 487 000
conslao@state.gov
<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outl ... mbassy.gov

· State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

· <https://travel.state.gov/content/travel ... blank>Laos Country Information

· Enroll in <https://step.state.gov/#_blank>Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.

· Follow us on <https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outl ... 0>Facebook.

[Udon Map]

The Governor of Nonthaburi has ordered an 11 p.m. - 5 a.m. curfew into effect.

[tinpeeba]

Excellent interview that gives accurate information on coronavirus and the measures that South Korea is taking to counter it.

[Udon Map]

Nationwide Nighttime Curfew Starts Friday

From: The Bangkok Post

All people in Thailand are banned from leaving home from 10pm to 4am starting Friday in the government’s latest moves to contain the spread of the Corona virus, COVID-19.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced the curfew on Thursday evening.

The exceptions are medical and banking personnel, as well as logistic workers handling consumer products, farm goods, pharmaceutical products, medical supplies and equipment, newspapers, petrol, postal parcels, or products to be imported or exported. Movements of people to quarantine places are also allowed.

Other exemptions are people working normal night shifts or those heading to or from airports with necessary documents stating the purposes, or officials working by the announcements or orders and those allowed by officials to leave the house on emergencies.

Violation will result in a jail term of not more than two years and/or a fine not more than 40,000 baht.

Existing curfew orders or announcements in any province with stricter requirements shall remain in effect.

For relief measures, Gen Prayut said three funds would be set up to help people affected by the virus measures.

Centres will be set up to distribute face masks. “I won’t let anyone hoard the product and take advantage of people during this difficult time,” he said.

More economic stimulus packages will be introduced such as financial aid, debt suspension, liquidity boost and debt restructuring.

In terms of disease mitigation, a centre will be set up to manage travel in and out of the kingdom with strict screening, quarantine and monitoring measures. Gen Prayut also sought cooperation in delaying entry to Thailand until April 15.

In terms of communication, a briefing will be held every day by the Covid-19 centre. Unauthorised people will not be allowed to give interviews.

He again warned of the consequences of spreading fake news or sharing information from unknown sources.

He urged everyone to cooperate for the ultimate goal of “zero”.

Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman of the government's Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha would announce the curfew at 6pm on Thursday.

"Past measures have stopped the daily number of new infection cases from increasing but still fail to reduce it. From the start there was an intention to impose measures from soft one to harsh ones," Dr Taweesin said.


Courtesy of The Bangkok Post
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... y#cxrecs_s

[parrot]

Received from the US Embassy this morning via email:

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand (April 2, 2020)
Location: Thailand
Event: Nation-wide Curfew Announced; Bangkok Parks; Increasing Provincial Border Closures; Phuket Airport to Close Operations Next Week (Book Departure Flights Now); Hotel Closures
Nation-wide Curfew
Today the Prime Minister’s office announced a nation-wide curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., beginning on April 3. Except for emergency medical care, U.S. citizens should remain in their residences and hotel rooms during those hours.

Bangkok Announces Park Closures

In Bangkok, all public and private parks are ordered closed until April 30 as well. For more information on these closures please visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website.

Increasing Provincial order Closures

Several provinces have begun restricting entry into or travel through their provinces. These restrictions may be implemented with little or no advance notice and can include a thorough inspection of travelers, mandatory quarantines, or outright prohibition on entry for non-residents. These restrictions will make domestic travel between provinces increasingly difficult.

Chiang Mai: Beginning April 2nd, local authorities will quarantine all foreigners who enter Chiang Mai province at their residence or in a location provided by the Department of Disease Control. People who violate the quarantine may be fined 100,000 baht, sentenced to one year in prison, or both. The announcement is available in Thai on the Facebook page for Chiang Mai's Provincial Office for Public Health: https://www.facebook.com/10090157793375 ... 15741/?d=n


Chiang Rai: Beginning April 1st, the governor of Chiang Rai province ordered the search of all vehicles entering the province. Authorities will not allow the entry of travelers who cannot explain why they need to enter the province, travelers who are not wearing a mask, and travelers who do not cooperate with health officials. Anyone entering the province will need to provide their contact details and undergo a health screening. The announcement is available in Thai on the province's Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_ ... %2As%2As-R



Mae Hong Son: Beginning April 1st, the provincial government has barred all foreigners from entering Mae Hong Son province and there will be a daily curfew prohibiting anyone from leaving their residence from 10 pm to 4 am. The announcement is available in Thai on the province's website: http://www.maehongson.go.th/th/.



Phuket International Airport Closure Confirmed

As reported yesterday, the Provincial Government of Phuket confirmed the closure of the Phuket International Airport from April 10-30, 2020. Travelers should expect flights in or out of Phuket to cease beginning at 12:01a.m. April 10. Any U.S. citizens remaining in Phuket who wish to return to depart Thailand should book their departure flights now, while departure flights are still available, or prepare to stay in Phuket indefinitely.

Any U.S. citizens in Phuket who are having trouble booking departure flights before the April 10 deadline, please email the American Citizens Services unit at acsbkk@state.gov.

Transportation Into and Out of Thailand

We advise temporary visitors in Thailand to arrange for immediate return to the United States while there is still an opportunity. There are no plans for U.S. government-organized evacuation flights. All flight routes are subject to cancellation without notice, and many flights are heavily booked. Hub countries with connections to the United States are also imposing increasingly strict requirements. Beginning midnight local time on April 3rd, Japan will no longer allow arriving passengers from the U.S. or Thailand to enter the country. For verified information about the COVID-19 situation in other countries, please visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel ... ation.html.



There are currently no government restrictions or requirements for U.S. citizens departing Thailand or entering the United States.  However, travelers should be prepared for domestic travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice that may make travel to the airport in Thailand difficult. Options for forms of domestic travel (including airplanes, buses, public vans, and trains) are also decreasing throughout Thailand. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available. U.S. citizens should consider booking flights to major points of entry into the United States and then arrange for further domestic travel upon arrival.  



Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability and seats.  If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.  The Airports of Thailand webpage provides updates on scheduled and cancelled flights out of Thailand. 

 

Today, Qatar Airways and Japan Airlines announced they will each reduce their flights out of Bangkok to six per week. We expect this trend of decreasing flight opportunities to continue. Please refer to the above-reference Airports of Thailand (AOT) webpage and/or download the AOT app for iOS and Android for the most up-to-date information.

 

Today (April 2, 2020) there are six flights from Chiang Mai International Airport to Bangkok, less than half the number of flights operating last week. There are no international flights departing from Chiang Mai International Airport.  



Hotels Suspend Operations



A number of hotels in Thailand have announced that they are suspending operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost all major hotels in Chiang Mai are closed. Hotels that suspend operations may ask guests to leave immediately. Travelers should be prepared for further hotel closures throughout Thailand, including the resort island of Phuket, with little or no advance notice.



Royal Thai Government COVID Information



Please visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website for updated information. Additional information about restrictions across Thailand can be found at the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Disease Control COVID-19 website.





Key Points on COVID-19:



· Widespread ongoing transmission of a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is occurring globally.

· The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential international travel.

· Older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for severe disease.

· There may be limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas of Thailand.

· In the future, U.S. residents may have difficulty returning to the United States.

· Travelers should avoid contact with sick people and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

· Thai regulations now require the wearing of face masks in public.

· All international travelers should stay home for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing.



For more the most up-to-date information visit the CDC page on Novel Coronavirus and the CDC Travelers Health Page for travelers to Thailand. Information is also available through the World Health Organization.



Actions to Take:

· Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.

· For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.

· Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.

· Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.

· Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Thailand.

· Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States. 

· Visit the Kingdom of Thailand’s Ministry of Public’s Health English-language COVID-19 page for updates on the situation in Thailand.



Assistance:

· U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand

Telephone: +66 2 205 4049

+66 2 205 4000 (after hours)

Email: acsbkk@state.gov

American Citizens Services


· U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai, Thailand (serving U.S. citizens in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kamphaengphet, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Petchabun, Phayao, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, and Uttaradit provinces)

Telephone: +66 053 107 700

+66 2 205 4000 (after hours)

Email: acschn@state.gov



· State Department - Consular Affairs

888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444



· Thailand Country Information

· Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.

· Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Vote with white background

[tinpeeba]

France warns of serious side effects of coronavirus ‘miracle cures’

https://www.euronews.com/2020/04/02/fra ... acle-cures?

[vincemunday]

Important information on the effectiveness of masks, I honestly didn’t know this and assumed all masks would help.

[tinpeeba]

[Udon Map]

Official Announcement from the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of the Interior

Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of the Interior Announces Automatic Visa Extensions

● The person whose visas has expired from 26th of March 2020 will be automatically extended to 30th of April 2020. There is no need to apply for a visa extension at Immigration Office for this period and will not be fined THB 500 per day for this case.

● Aliens who are due for 90 days reports between 26th of March 2020 and 30th of April 2020 are temporarily exempted from reporting in this period until further notice.

● Aliens who are holding Border Passes will be allowed to stay in Thailand for now. However, Aliens with Border Passes must depart Thailand within 7 days of the border crossing points opening date.

● Aliens are advised to follow announcements regarding Immigration measures closely for updates. (Currently measures announced until 30 April 2020 or further updates)

https://immigration.go.th/content/visa_ ... on?click=1