Eight new cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi, several foreigners, linked to party in Bangkok

Chonburi, Thailand-

The Chonburi Public Health Office reported eight new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Chonburi this morning, the most since January 10th, 2021, raising concerns of the virus in the Chonburi area as Songkran, the biggest Thai holiday, approaches this weekend.

The eight cases, according to Chonburi PR, are separated into several categories, but the majority are linked to the positive case we reported yesterday.

Five of the cases today, which include three Japanese nationals, are linked to yesterday’s case and reportedly went partying in Bangkok, which had 32 positive cases yesterday, also linked to bars and nightclubs in the greater Bangkok area. One additional case is a close contact with the family of this group of people.

At least eleven people who are either family members or deemed as close contacts of these Covid-19 confirmed patients have so far tested negative for the Covid-19 coronavirus but out of precaution have been isolated and quarantined. Chonburi Public Health Officials state they are looking for at least three other people who attended the Bangkok party and that testing and tracing resources have been diverted to look for these people of interest.

An additional case, not related to the Bangkok “partying” cluster is a patient who has a recent history of traveling to Samut Sakhon and is under investigation. The eighth and final new case today details were not immediately released.

Chonburi Public Health Officials warn local residents to follow best health practices such as wearing masks, social distancing, washing their hands, using sanitizer, and avoiding crowded places. The cases come only a few days before Songkran, the Thai New Year, starts on April 10th as a public holiday where millions of Thais are expected to return home to see their families in the longest holiday period of the year. The festival was canceled due to Covid-19 last year but authorities have allowed it to continue this year, although all “fun” events like concerts, water fights, parties, parades that are not religious, foam parties, wild street festivals, etc. are banned this year due to the possible spread of Covid-19.

At this time, authorities have said there are not any restrictions or business closures that are immediately planned, however, inspections will likely take place at local venues and businesses to ensure they are complying with Covid-19 rules and restrictions.