Coronavirus Outbreak: A Short Guide and Update for Expats in Thailand
The COVID-19 pandemic took Thailand by storm, leaving many stricken with worry as they did everything they could to avoid contracting the disease. A lot of expats in Thailand remained stuck in the country due to border lockdowns.
As the world came to grasp the severity of the virus, proper precautions and restrictions took place to keep the outbreak under control. Now, even though the virus is no longer rampant and the world slowly recovers from the aftermath, there are still precautions we should take to protect ourselves.
In this guide by Pacific Prime Thailand, we are going to give you an overview of the main things to focus on including ways to prevent infection, updates on the coronavirus, and how to secure health insurance that covers treatment for Covid-19, before you get infected.
Important Guidelines for Expats Living in Thailand
Although we are no longer in a pandemic, there are still certain guidelines you should continue practicing from the pandemic to protect yourself and others. From responsible travel to cleanliness, below are some key points to apply to your everyday life to keep yourself and those around you safe:
Travel Safe and Responsibly
Now that restrictions have lessened to allow traveling after such a long lockdown period, it is tempting to venture back into the world and enjoy a well-deserved break. Before you fly to your destination, make sure you do the proper research on restrictions, requirements, and the latest COVID-19 updates.
Do not travel if you tested positive or are feeling unwell. While it may be tempting to brush off the coronavirus as no big deal now that the situation is mostly under control, it is vital to stay home to prevent spreading the disease to others if you have tested positive.
Clean and Disinfect
If your home is the safest refuge, all members of the household should agree on infection prevention measures. This includes disinfecting surfaces exposed to the elements, such as the porch, front door, and foyer, as well as other areas like the bathroom or toilet where the virus can linger.
Cleaning involves removing contaminants from a surface, while disinfecting is about killing pathogens. Performing both tasks daily can help reduce the perfect conditions for infections like COVID19 to propagate. Other high-touch surfaces that require regular cleaning and disinfecting include:
- Doorknobs
- Table surfaces
- Hard dining chairs (seat, back, and arms)
- Mouse, keyboard, and other IT appliances
- Computer tablets
- Kitchen counters
- Bathroom counters
- Faucets and faucet knobs
- Toilets (seat and handle)
- Light switches
- TV remote controls
- Game controllers
First, Clean the Surface, then Disinfect
When cleaning a surface, it is advised to start by removing all contaminants like dust, debris, and food stains. You can achieve this by using a hand towel or disposable tissue, along with lukewarm water and cleaning soap or spray.
After cleaning, you should apply a surface-appropriate disinfectant. The easiest and quickest way to do this is by using disinfecting wipes or spray. Cleaning products containing bleach, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide are highly effective at killing off germs.
While using these products, take precautions to avoid skin irritation, and keep them out of reach of young children. Homemade solutions, such as vinegar and other natural products, are not recommended as they may not effectively disinfect surfaces and objects.
Stay Aware of the Situation
It is imperative to stay aware of the situation in order to take the proper precautions in case a new variant causes another outbreak. Staying up to date through credible sources such as the World Health Organization can help reduce anxiety.
Avoid relying on social media for news. The nature of social media is that Information on social media spreads instantly, but unfortunately, it may not always be accurate and can include hoaxes or fake news.
Order Your Necessities Online
Thailand is a hub for many e-commerce platforms and organizations that aim to make the lives of its residents much easier. From food and water to household items and more, these online services allow people to stay safely at home while having their essentials delivered.
Remember to take precautions when receiving deliveries. Coordinate with drivers to leave ordered goods in an open yet safe area, and avoid contact or maintain a safe distance of 1 to 2 meters to minimize contact during the delivery process.
What If I Catch COVID-19?
In the case you contract the virus, there are a few things you should do. First, try to remain calm. Confirm your diagnosis with an RT-PCR test. If the results come back positive, immediately contact your local health official and arrange for home isolation.
Be sure to notify the people you have been in recent contact with so that they can take the necessary precautions.
The Latest on The Coronavirus Situation in Thailand
Whilst the pandemic is all but over,cases of the virus still persist in the country. Recently, a new omicron sub-variant was detected for the first time in Bangkok.
Due to a lack of data, Dr. Supakit Sirilak, Department Chief of the Department of Medical Sciences, commented that it is too early to determine whether this new variant will be more severe than other omicron sub-variants.
The WHO has also recently discovered a new sub-variant, Arcturus, which has been found in 29 countries. According to experts, the new sub-variant causes similar symptoms but is more contagious. However, it is not considered a significant risk.
Does My Health Insurance Cover The Coronavirus?
As an expat living alone or with a family in Thailand, you will be curious to find out if your health insurance policy covers COVID-19. The best piece of advice we can give here is to review your health insurance policy details, as the answer can typically be provided within it.
Since insurance providers offer a wide range of insurance products and services globally, coverage options can vary. Therefore, policyholders should refer to the terms and conditions of their policy or consult their insurance agent or broker for specific answers.
For expats considering health insurance coverage, it’s advisable to speak to a reputable broker like Pacific Prime Thailand. Rushing out to buy a policy without a clear understanding of terms and conditions can lead to surprises.
In Thailand, insurance with COVID-19 coverage can generally be grouped into two types: lump-sum payment upon diagnosis, and coverage for medical bills.
What’s important to note is that while the insurance premium may seem affordable, ranging from THB ฿99 – 1,250, some buyers may find that the policy overlaps with their existing coverage.
Knong Sripiboolpanich, Vice President of K-Expert under Kasikornbank (KBank), emphasizes the importance of checking existing medical benefits before taking out COVID-19 coverage. Certain plans have waiting periods, varying limits, and exclusions, such as recent trips to high-risk countries.
How Can Pacific Prime Thailand Help?
As one of the world’s leading insurance brokers in the region, Pacific Prime Thailand encourages expats and their families to prioritize securing private health insurance if they haven’t already done so.
There are a range of plans, including expat health insurance and family insurance, which can be tailored to include essential add-ons such as maternity insurance, pre-existing insurance coverage, and emergency medical evacuation.
Contact us today for a free quote!
Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writing and strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.
In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.
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