Schools nationwide have been told to suspend all group activities after clusters of infections, among students and teachers, have been found in schools in 11 provinces, including a boarding school for female students in Ratchaburi where more than 300 of the 576 students and teachers tested positive for COVID-19.
Assistant spokesperson for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan said today (Friday) that their subcommittee is concerned over clusters of infections in eateries, markets, factories and, in particular schools, where clusters have been detected in Ratchaburi, Nan, Phetchaburi, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Roi-et , Samut Prakan, Nong Khai, Yasothon, Loei and Si Sa Ket.
She said clusters have been found in pre-school, kindergarten, boarding and sports schools, despite students and teachers being fully inoculated.
She attributed the infections to group activities, such as sporting competitions and orientation sessions.
Dr. Apisamai added, though, that religious rituals are not the main cause of clusters, but post-ritual activities, such as parties, are. This is because most participants remove their face masks and sit tightly together and, sometimes, they engage in gambling.
Source: Thai PBS World