Joseph in Asia (part 18)
Today, Sunday 5 April, is our last day in Thailand and an 'unforgettable' trip is almost over. Yesterday, to prevent any problems, we visited the Pattaya Memorial Hospital to obtain a so-called 'Medical Certificate' to prove that we are not infected and healthy.
The editors have decided not to post reader submissions for the time being that address the question of whether or not the coronavirus is very dangerous and similar articles. We only make an exception for publications by doctors such as Maarten or from official and verifiable sources such as medical or scientific journals.
Corona crisis causes empty streets in Bangkok (video)
Who could have imagined that one of the most vibrant cities in the world can leave a desolate and abandoned impression? The corona crisis provides special images in the Thai capital, as this video shows.
All passenger flights in Thailand have been suspended with immediate effect to prevent the spread of the corona virus. The ban came into effect on Saturday morning and will run until Monday evening, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand said.
Almost twenty percent of the Dutch population experienced an income drop in March as a result of the corona crisis. A slightly higher percentage (21 percent) also expects this decline in April. This is evident from a poll by the National Institute for Budget Information (Nibud).
Today, the Thai government reported 89 new registered infections. A 72-year-old Thai man with chronic complaints has died of the disease. This brings the total number of registered infections to 2067. The number of deaths is 20 people.
No public holidays due to the corona crisis
Due to the corona virus, the well-known (holiday) days will be given a different interpretation in the near future, both in Thailand and elsewhere in the world. The upcoming Chakri Day, Monday April 6, will no longer be a day off as people used to due to the corona virus. Government services and post offices will also be closed on that day.
Emotions surrounding the corona crisis seem to be running high. Just look at the discussion about the sense or nonsense of face masks on this blog. And then the virologists who constantly contradict each other. Another point: Is the WHO really that independent or more of a political organization? Are the experts really that knowledgeable or are there also commercial interests, such as a well-known virologist who at the time had shares in a company that makes flu vaccines? Why is China now buying up shares worldwide for next to nothing, and are they still benefiting from the corona crisis?
On Sunday 5 April, KLM will operate an extra repatriation flight from Bangkok to Amsterdam for Dutch nationals stranded in Thailand. The flight departs from Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok at 22:30 PM.
The Thai government is taking measures to prevent the spread of the corona virus. Below you can read the answers to the most frequently asked questions about these measures. Also read the travel advice for Thailand.
Today, the Thai government announced 103 new Covid infections and 4 new deaths. That brings the total to 1.978 registered infections, the number of deaths has risen to 19.
The government has imposed a curfew across the country from 22.00 p.m. to 4.00 a.m., which will take effect tonight. All travel to Thailand, including that of Thai, is banned for two weeks.
Reader submission: Corona between the rice fields (2)
So, the first week of more or less self-quarantine is over. Not a problem for me, can spend many hours reading a good book.
Face mask or not?
Is it wise or not to use a mouth mask in this time with the corona virus? The WHO advises against it if you are not sick (without giving a definition of sick). Unfortunately, the WHO does not excel in giving reliable advice. It is a political organization in which not exactly the best qualified people are in charge. Unfortunately.
No curfew in Bangkok, but nightly closing of shops
All shops and street vendors in Bangkok must cease their activities from midnight to 5 a.m. to fight the spread of the corona virus. With 750 registered infections, the capital has the highest number of patients.
Today, 104 new registered coronavirus infections have been reported by the Thai government (total 1.875). 3 people have died, bringing the number of deaths to 15 (editor: again, the number of infections and deaths from the coronavirus will most likely be much higher. This has to do with the number of people being tested and the way of testing).
A metapolitical view of the corona crisis
I can't help it; I am a cultural scientist by training and this baggage often makes me look at the world around me in a different way. Also in these harsh times of Coronapsychosis. Life-threatening viruses are omnipotent.