Pattaya Mayor reveals results of 10-day proactive Covid-19 community testing in Pattaya

Pattaya, Thailand-

  The Pattaya Mayor, Sonthaya Khunplume, revealed the results today after ten days of proactive Covid-19 community testing using Rapid Antigen Test Kits (ATK).

The proactive testing was not for “walk-ins” but was for open community testing targeting high-risk communities and places in the general population in Pattaya. Chonburi regularly conducts close to 2,000 tests a day but most of these are targeted around close contacts of previous cases and workplaces, migrant worker communities, factories, and similar establishments where previous clusters have taken place.

This week of testing was geared around the “general population” although primarily those still considered as at-risk, such as those who work with the general public on a regular basis.

A total of 5,196 rapid-antigen tests were conducted. Of that, 192 positive cases were found, roughly 3.7%. 

The testing was conducted at four points around the Pattaya area, according to the Mayor.

Nearly all 192 positive cases were completely asymptomatic, according to Chonburi Public Health Officials. Regardless, they will be required to either self-isolate if they meet certain requirements or will be sent to a field hospital/hospitel until deemed recovered by health authorities.

Registration for ongoing Covid-19 testing for those who feel they are high-risk AND have a house registration in Pattaya will continue, according to the Mayor, stating that stomping out the virus locally is a major priority currently. Those interested and who meet the requirements may apply at https://forms.gle/84cmXPPHePz87GVq8 (In Thai.).

There is no current widescale walk-in testing available, according to the Mayor, although if one is unable to register online they can reach out to their local municipality or village headsman for assistance if they feel they are high-risk and would like to be tested. This is primarily designed for those without symptoms.