BANGKOK, Dec 25 (NNN-TNA) – Thailand reported its first cluster of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, in the north-eastern Kalasin province, health officials said yesterday.
According to the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), there are 22 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant, linked to the Kalasin cluster.
The index case of the latest cluster was believed to be a couple, who travelled from Belgium through Thailand’s quarantine free scheme, and tested positive with the Omicron variant earlier this month, CCSA spokeswoman, Apisamai Srirangsan, said.
Since their arrival, the couple visited several places, including bars, shopping malls and state offices in the province, Apisamai said, adding that, around 100 people were still deemed at high risk, due to their close contact with the patients.
According to officials, total cases of the Omicron variant in Thailand had risen to 205, as of Thursday night.
Fears of rapid spreading of the new variant triggered Bangkok city hall to announce the cancellation of its New Year countdown events this coming Friday.
Since the start of the pandemic early last year, Thailand has registered 2,204,672 COVID-19 cases, with 21,528 cumulative deaths.– NNN-TNA
