Disease Control Urges Sick Workers to Rest, Wear Masks
Thailand's Department of Disease Control urges sick workers to stay home and wear masks to prevent spreading flu and COVID-19 to vulnerable groups, especially in crowded settings like schools and workplaces.
The Department of Disease Control has warned people who are ill not to force themselves to work, and instead to rest and wear masks to reduce the spread of influenza and COVID-19 to vulnerable groups at risk of severe illness. Dr. Montetarn Konasawat, director-general of the Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health, said that influenza and COVID-19 remain respiratory infections that require public attention, especially in crowded settings such as schools, workplaces, elderly care facilities, prisons, hospitals, and public spaces. Close contact for extended periods or in poorly ventilated areas increases the risk of transmission. Respiratory infection prevention is not complicated. Anyone with symptoms should wear a surgical mask, avoid close contact with others, and get adequate rest. In crowded areas, proper ventilation and air circulation are important. People should monitor their own symptoms and, if ill, avoid crowded places and close contact with elderly people, small children, or those with chronic illnesses to prevent transmission to vulnerable groups at high risk of severe illness. Dr. Direk Kham-phen, deputy director-general of the Department of Disease Control, added that sick people should avoid close contact with others, wear a surgical mask whenever leaving home, and seek prompt medical diagnosis and treatment, especially those in high-risk groups, to receive timely care and reduce the risk of complications and death. Those in high-risk groups should consider receiving the influenza vaccine as recommended by medical professionals.
