Latest news with #ParmjitSingh
Mint
18-06-2025
- Mint
Planning a trip to Thailand? Think again: COVID-19 sees big jump; 4.76 lakh total cases in 2025 so far
Planning a trip to Thailand? Think again. COVID-19 cases have seen a big jump across the country in the past week. According to the latest update, 76,161 new infections and 40 more deaths have been reported. This data, from May 24 to June 14, comes from the Department of Disease Control (DDC). So far in 2025, the country has recorded more than 4.76 lakh total cases, Bangkok Post reported. Of the recent cases, over 72,000 patients were admitted to hospitals while around 4,000 were treated as outpatients. The death toll this year has reached 154. Bangkok (17,945), Chon Buri (3,315), Nakhon Ratchasima (3,027), Chiang Mai (2,678) and Rayong (1,775) were the five worst-hit provinces. The elderly population (60+) continues to be most at risk, with 14,757 cases. Working-age groups were also affected. There are 14,561 cases in the 30–39 group and 13,889 in the 20–29 group. Experts blame high social activity for the spread. Weekly graphs show that infection rates are still climbing. Health experts in Thailand have warned people not to take COVID-19 lightly. In the last four weeks, it caused 116 deaths, 29 times more than seasonal flu. The health ministry recommends wearing masks in crowds, washing hands, and getting booster shots. These measures are especially recommended for high-risk groups. Thailand's tourism industry, once hit hard by COVID-19, is now bouncing back. In 2019, nearly 40 million tourists visited while, in 2024, the country welcomed 35 million, showing strong recovery. Visitors from China, Europe and the US are returning, helped by government efforts to boost travel. Bangkok alone saw 32.4 million tourists. On average, each tourist spends $167 per day and stays for 9 days, according to GoWithGuide. Tourism added $48.45 billion to Thailand's GDP in 2019, making up 8.9% of the economy. In Malaysia, doctors are seeing more people showing interest in getting vaccinated or taking booster doses again. Older people and those with health risks are especially interested. This is happening because COVID-19 cases are rising in nearby countries like Thailand and Singapore. 'Malaysians are encouraged to... practise good hygiene, wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces and seek medical attention if symptoms develop,' The Straits Times quoted Dr Parmjit Singh as saying.
Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Vaccine demand in Malaysia rises amid regional surge in Covid-19 cases
The revived interest is given the rising numbers of the new variant of Covid-19 in Thailand and Singapore. PHOTO: REUTERS GEORGE TOWN, Malaysia - Medical practitioners are seeing a renewed interest in vaccination and booster shots, particularly among vulnerable populations, amid a concerning surge in Covid-19 cases in neighbouring countries. General practitioner Dr Parmjit Singh said the revived interest is in response to locals being highly vigilant given the rising numbers of the new variant of Covid-19 in Thailand and Singapore. 'It is essential for eligible individuals to be up to date with their vaccinations to maintain strong protection, especially against emerging variants,' he said here on June 11. He also said that while the Covid-19 situation in the country may appear stable, it has not been eradicated. 'Malaysians are encouraged to stay up to date with vaccinations, practise good hygiene, wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces and seek medical attention if symptoms develop. 'Continued public awareness and responsible behaviour are key to preventing another surge in cases. 'New variants may spread across borders through travel and community interactions,' he said. Dr Parmjit also said that there is no definitive evidence that dry weather can cause a spike in Covid-19 cases. 'Weather changes can influence human behaviour. People may spend more time indoors in air-conditioned spaces during hot, dry seasons, which could increase the risk of virus transmission. 'The spread of the virus is dependent on factors such as population density, vaccination coverage, public health measures and individual behaviour,' he said. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said Penang experienced notable spikes during major holidays or festive periods due to increased travel, relaxed precautions and social gatherings. 'While there is no evidence that dry weather increases Covid-19 transmission, in Malaysia, hot and dry conditions may lead to more indoor gatherings. This could facilitate virus spread,' he said. It was reported that neighbouring countries like Thailand and Singapore are facing an emergence of subvariants derived from the Omicron strain of Covid-19, which are more contagious, leading to a surge in cases. Mr Gooi said while cases have dropped in Penang, it is important to remain vigilant as records from Jan 1 to May 31 last year showed 2,714 cases, while 1,594 cases were recorded during the same period this year. 'No deaths have been recorded so far this year, and the state Health Department continues to monitor respiratory-related clusters in Penang. 'High-risk groups (the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses) are advised to avoid crowded indoor areas. 'The vulnerable groups (elderly, comorbidities) are still encouraged to get updated boosters as they can help protect them in case of exposure to those with Covid-19,' he said. Retired teacher B. Premala, 68, who has been vaccinated and took one booster jab in 2021 as well, said she was not keen on taking a fourth jab. 'I am careful and mask up when I go to crowded places. 'I am aware that because of my age, I am susceptible to viruses, but I am cautious,' she said. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Vaccine demand rises amid regional surge in Covid-19 cases
GEORGE TOWN: Medical practitioners here are seeing a renewed interest in vaccination and booster shots, particularly among vulnerable populations, amid a concerning surge in Covid-19 cases in neighbouring countries. General practitioner Datuk Dr Parmjit Singh said the revived interest is in response to locals being highly vigilant given the rising numbers of the new variant of Covid-19 in Thailand and Singapore. 'It is essential for eligible individuals to be up to date with their vaccinations to maintain strong protection, especially against emerging variants,' he said here yesterday. He also said that while the Covid-19 situation in the country may appear stable, it has not been eradicated. 'Malaysians are encouraged to stay up to date with vaccinations, practise good hygiene, wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces and seek medical attention if symptoms develop. 'Continued public awareness and responsible behaviour are key to preventing another surge in cases. 'New variants may spread across borders through travel and community interactions,' he said. Dr Parmjit also said that there is no definitive evidence that dry weather can cause a spike in Covid-19 cases. 'Weather changes can influence human behaviour. People may spend more time indoors in air-conditioned spaces during hot, dry seasons, which could increase the risk of virus transmission. 'The spread of the virus is dependent on factors such as population density, vaccination coverage, public health measures and individual behaviour,' he said. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said Penang experienced notable spikes during major holidays or festive periods due to increased travel, relaxed precautions and social gatherings. 'While there is no evidence that dry weather increases Covid-19 transmission, in Malaysia, hot and dry conditions may lead to more indoor gatherings. This could facilitate virus spread,' he said. It was reported that neighbouring countries like Thailand and Singapore are facing an emergence of subvariants derived from the Omicron strain of Covid-19, which are more contagious, leading to a surge in cases. Gooi said while cases have dropped in Penang, it is important to remain vigilant as records from Jan 1 to May 31 last year showed 2,714 cases, while 1,594 cases were recorded during the same period this year. 'No deaths have been recorded so far this year, and the state Health Department continues to monitor respiratory-related clusters in Penang. 'High-risk groups (the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses) are advised to avoid crowded indoor areas. 'The vulnerable groups (elderly, comorbidities) are still encouraged to get updated boosters as they can help protect them in case of exposure to those with Covid-19,' he said. Retired teacher B. Premala, 68, who has been vaccinated and took one booster jab in 2021 as well, said she was not keen on taking a fourth jab. 'I am careful and mask up when I go to crowded places. 'I am aware that because of my age, I am susceptible to viruses, but I am cautious,' she said.
