BANGKOK: A shortage of hospital beds in Thailand has put a strain on its public health system as a new wave of COVID-19 infected more than 34,000 patients this month.
On Thursday (Apr 29), the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) reported 1,871 new cases and 10 more deaths. Although the daily case number went below 2,000 for the first time in six days, hospitals are increasingly filled with patients with severe conditions.
Data from the Public Health Ministry showed a gradual increase in patients with intubation needs and those who suffer pneumonitis or inflammation of lung tissues, which could lead to respiratory failure and death. The number of such patients exceeded 1,000 on Thursday.
The continued increase of infections has led to the opening of several field hospitals and hotel hospitals nationwide, where more than 10,000 beds remain available.
However, these facilities can only accommodate asymptomatic patients and those with mild symptoms. For those with moderate symptoms or severe conditions, they need to be treated at regular hospitals.
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