COVID-19 Weekly Situation Update (21 October 2021 ) No. 213

WEEKLY TRENDS

• The total number of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in Thailand since January 2020 increased 1.5% (30,858) in the last week. The average number of community-acquired cases reported per day over the last seven days decreased by a further 17% in the last week compared to the week prior (from 5,049 to 4,189). Three of the past four days have also all seen counts of community acquired infection below 4,000.
• The total number of deaths caused by COVID-19 infection since January 2020 increased 1.1% (237) in the last week. The aver- age number of COVID-19 deaths reported per day in the last seven days decreased by 11% (34) compared to the average of 19% (38) for the week before.
• There continues to be a steady decline in severe cases averag- ing 1,254 per day in the last week, a decrease of 9% compared to 13% (1,378) the week before, and 11% (1,586) before that.
• The average number of ventilated COVID-19 cases reported per day over the last week, 328, is a decrease of 2%, compared to 335 (11%) the week prior and 377 (10%) the week before that.

SITUATION ANALYSIS

• The number of confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases (60,415), continues to decrease, dropping by 18% compared to last week. This is lowest since the 5th of July 2021 and is over 70% lower than the 214,786 active cases seen at the peak on the 8th August. This is an important easing to the overall burden on the healthcare delivery system.
• The 1,254 severe COVID-19 cases reported today is almost 80% lower than the highest number (5,626) ever reported on 16th August and reflects a continual steady decrease.
• The 328 ventilated cases reported is 73% lower than the highest number (1,172) reported on 15th August. However, the rate of decrease of ventilated cases has slowed, reducing by just 2% compared to the previous week.
• COVID-19 is still widespread across Thailand, with almost every Province reporting new cases every day, indicating ongoing community transmission. Daily reported cases numbers continue to come down in Southern Thailand, although ‘per capita’ infection rates and test positivity rates are still higher than most other parts of the country.
• COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to rise and are now at levels that can be expected to significantly reduce levels of severe illness and deaths. However, vaccination rates are still low in some provinces and in some important risk groups.
• The low vaccination rate in pregnant women remains a significant cause for concern. Unvaccinated pregnant women should consult with a medical practitioner to receive the best possible advice. Until they receive vaccination, pregnant women and their families should adhere strictly to all preventive measures.

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