Test numbers needed
The massive upswing of Covid-19 cases in the US, and smaller increases in other countries, must make us wonder how Thailand has managed to avoid a larger outbreak than has been reported. Based on the most recent figures the percentage of cases amongst the entire population is 0.0046086%. A number so ridiculously low it boggles the imagination. The 76% increase in cases in the US can be attributed to several factors going back to the initial denial of the government that the virus would cause a major medical problem. Chaotic responses regarding lockdowns, availability of PPE, store closures, lack of testing, complacency on the part of the population and opening back up too early all contributed to the present situation. What makes the new outbreak more worrisome is that many more individuals are asymptomatic and there is a large increase among the younger population.
Which brings me to why I believe the figures that we are being given are, to say the least, inaccurate. Mr Trump was quite specific in stating that the problem was testing. “We are testing too much! If we tested less there would be less cases.” Since the beginning, the CDC, WHO and other associations have stated that testing was the only way to determine the inroads made by the virus. South Korea, China, Italy, Spain, the UK and others have made a determined effort to test as much of the population as possible which has enabled them to pinpoint their responses and put a lid on the situation.
In all the figures bandied about there has never been a daily briefing on the number of people tested and the percentage of positive tests returned. With the reopening of bars, karaoke establishments and various other entertainment venues we can expect large numbers of unmasked individuals not practising social distancing to create the perfect environment for a massive increase in the spread of the disease.
So, until I see test figures posted alongside the other information I will believe the truth of the situation is being withheld to give a false sense of security both to those who live here and those who wish to visit here.
FRED PRAGER