Changes to Replace Costly COVID-19 Tests in Samut Sakhon

BANGKOK, Jan 29 (TNA) – The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) will change the pattern of COVID-19 tests in Samut Sakhon province where there are a large number of infected people because ongoing tests are costly. CCSA spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin said daily new cases in the province reached three digits but they were confirmed through active case finding which was costly. Tests on 10,000 people cost 20 million baht, he cited. CCSA instead planned cheaper antibody tests for people living in dormitories and factories that are in the same compounds. Only those who test positive will then undergo swab tests. Elsewhere, disease control workers would conduct random tests on workers. This will apply to workers whose trips between dormitories and factories will be controlled and to workers of small factories that employ small numbers of people, Dr Taweesilp said. The measures required cooperation from operators, workers and local residents, he said. (TNA)