Covid-19 Increases, Thailand Turns Airport Cargo Warehouse into a Hospital

Thailand Turns Airport Cargo Warehouse into a Hospital
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Volunteers in Thailand have transformed a cargo warehouse at Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok, into an emergency hospital with a capacity of 1,800 beds for Covid-19 patients with less severe symptoms.

Thailand reported 16,533 additional daily cases and 133 deaths in a day as of Wednesday (July 28). With this surge, a total of 543,361 Corona cases have now been recorded in Thailand, with 4,397 deaths.

The workers drilled the walls for the toilet installation and prepared the beds and blankets.

“This is a 1+ field hospital that can accept a large number of patients, who have less severe symptoms,” said Rienthong Nanna, Director of Mongkutwattana Hospital.

“But if the patient’s condition worsens, they will be transferred to another field hospital called Pitak Rachan Field Hospital,” he added.

Rienthong said the field hospital did not fully operational yet because it needed more preparation. He also said that Corona cases in Thailand would continue to increase, and needs more hospitals.

The surge in Corona cases in Thailand, especially in Bangkok has added to the pressure on the local health care system. The government has also faced public criticism for the slow pace of Corona vaccinations in the country.

As known, Thailand targets to vaccinate 50 million people by the end of the year, but 5.6 percent of its total population of 66 million have been fully vaccinated so far. Another 19.2 percent have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine.