Covid-19 cases are rising again and may continue to rev up in anticipation of the long holidays this month. Together with this is the rising number of severely ill Covid-19 patients, according to the Department of Disease Control.

From 638 two weeks ago (June 28) to 786 on Sunday (July 10), serious Covid-19 cases with lung inflammation increased gradually said Epidemiology Director of the Department of Disease Control Dr. Chakkarat Pittayawonganon.

The number of severely ill patients dependent on ventilators is also on the rise from 290 two weeks ago to 349 on Sunday.

The new rise in numbers is seen mostly in Bangkok and other major tourism provinces.

“New infections are increasing in Greater Bangkok and major tourism provinces. Several periods of long holidays this month may spread the infections faster,” he said.

“The growing number of patients with lung inflammation can impact the supply of beds and medicine needed for treatment,” he added.

Nevertheless, the Public Health Ministry maintains its Covid-19 alert at Level 2 to help the tourism and economy overall, holding that the kingdom’s health system can still handle the situation.

“Despite the increase, the health system can still cope. Our peak of patients with lung inflammation used to be thousands a day during the outbreak of the Delta variant,” Dr. Chakkarat said.

“People can help by strictly protecting themselves from the disease,” the health official added.