The data shows that Phuket recorded 1,287 cumulative COVID-19 cases, with an infection rate of 317.82 per 100,000 people, Dr Kusuma Sawangphan, Head of the Communicable Disease Control Group at the Phuket Public Health Office (PPHO) explained yesterday (May 19).
While no deaths have been reported in the province during this period, the high infection rate places Phuket just behind Bangkok and Chonburi in terms of COVID-19 infections, Dr Kusuma said.
Across the country, a total of 73,070 COVID-19 cases have been reported since the start of the year, with 25 deaths ‒ reflecting a national death rate of 0.043 per 100,000 people.
During the most recent reporting week (May 4-10), 22,493 new cases were added nationwide, along with eight new deaths, Dr Kusuma said.
TOP 10 PROVINCES
Dr Kusuma also reported the provinces with the highest infection rates. Leading the list is Bangkok, with 36,329 reported cases ‒ an infection rate of 707.30 per 100,000 population ‒ and 11 deaths. Chonburi followed with 5,533 cases (355.89 per 100,000) and one death.
Phuket holds the third spot, with no fatalities reported despite its relatively high rate of infections, she said.
Other provinces in the top 10 include Rayong, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Sisaket, Chumphon, Pathum Thani and Prachuap Khiri Khan.
SITUATION IN PHUKET
Despite being one of the top three provinces for infection rate, Phuket’s zero COVID-related deaths this year suggest effective healthcare intervention and possibly high vaccination or natural immunity levels within the population, Dr Kusuma noted.
“The PPHO is continuing to monitor the situation closely, particularly as the province remains a major tourism hub. With the influx of both domestic and international visitors, public health agencies have called for continued vigilance,” she added.
As the rainy season begins and respiratory illnesses typically spike, the PPHO warns that COVID-19 and other viral infections may spread more easily.
The PPHO encouraged residents to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop, Dr Kusuma concluded.