Thammasat admits first 2 virus patients

Thammasat University opened its field hospital yesterday and admitted two Covid-19 patients — both university students.

The field hospital is a converted 14-storey dormitory called D-Luxx at the university’s Rangsit campus.

The condition of the patients, a man and a woman, has improved though they are both under close observation.

Chatchai Mingmalairak, director of the field hospital, said the duo need to be watched closely for at least another seven days because they remain positive for the virus.

A team of psychologists provides the patients with counselling to help them tackle emotional stress, while doctors contact them via teleconferencing, Dr Chatchai added.

Meanwhile, Thammasat University rector Gasinee Witoonchart said the university has explained the need to set up the field hospital to its staff as well as to nearby communities. Ms Gasinee added that since there is an urgent need for the facility, the university did not have the time to schedule a public hearing.

She added the university plans to double the number of beds available at the hospital from 308 to 600 in line with the number of patients.

Separately, two hotels in downtown Muang district of Phitsanulok province have signed up to be converted into hospitals for Covid-19 patients. They are the 80-room La Paloma Hotel and the 68-room Thep Nakorn Hotel. The Lithai Hotel has also offered 10 rooms for medical personnel to use for free.

Phitsanulok, so far, has three Covid19 patients who are hospitalised.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, meanwhile, has come up with guidelines for its 50 district offices to follow when dealing with the bodies of people who have succumbed to Covid-19.

Deputy Bangkok governor Pol Lt Gen Sophon Pisuthiwong said the guidelines include educating temples about the correct method of handling bodies of people who have died from dangerous communicable diseases, including the novel coronavirus.