COVID-19 Update #14: Vaccines, Private Hospitals, and Serious Numbers

 Previous COVID-19 Update (#13): https://michaeldesrosiers.blogspot.com/2021/04/a-very-somber-songkran.html

Things have gotten bad in Thailand in the past few weeks. I guess maybe we got complacent, or maybe we didn't realize how lucky we were with our low numbers last year. Now, for the first time, Thailand is entering a serious wave of COVID-19. I suppose we are lucky that things didn't get serious until the vaccine has already been developed, but it's a lot scarier here now than it ever was last year. In fact, today, Thailand passed 100,000 active cases of the virus for the first time. We have now had over 500 deaths (in perspective, last year we had 60 total), with thousands of new cases reported every day.

Some provinces like tourist favorite Phuket and "dark horse" Lampang in the north are racing towards heard immunity!

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2116599/lampang-leads-provincial-race-for-herd-immunity

Frustratingly, Bangkok has had trouble with its vaccine rollout. There's been confusion lately about who will be eligible for vaccinations. Different ministers and agencies have made different announcements as to the eligibility of farangs, or foreigners, for vaccination. This week, however, it has been officially announced that everyone in Thailand, regardless of nationality, will eventually be eligible for the vaccination program.

Sinovac, the Chinese vaccine, is still the preferred vaccine, but the Thai government is drafting legislation allowing private hospitals to import vaccines by negotiating with pharmaceutical companies directly, increasing the chances of more popular and effective vaccines like the Phizer or J&J vaccine to be administered. It's all very complicated, and I don't claim to understand the entire situation. However, I'm confident in the Thai government's ability to inoculate all of us. There is no anti-vax movement here in Thailand, meaning that we should be able to reach heard immunity much faster than the US or some other countries despite the current surging COVID-19 numbers.

Over the past two years, I am so grateful for how well the Thai government has taken care of its expat population. They've offered us emergency visa extensions and are treating us like citizens when it comes to eventually registering for the vaccine. Thanks, Thailand!

Until things settle down, I'm staying indoors, staying safe, and socially-distancing with my mandatory mask while on walks. Stay safe and healthy, everyone!