1st cluster case of COVID-19 variant Omicron found in Thailand, spreading 70 times faster than variant Delta does

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control recently reported that the first case of Omicron community cluster infection in the northeastern province of Kalasin. 21 cases have been confirmed so far.

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The first cluster case of new coronavirus variant Omicron found in Thailand. (Photo / Retrieved from Pixabay)

According to a report by Reuters, the Thai government notified Kalasin in the northeast of the country’s first cluster of local cases of Omicron confirmed cases on December 24, and a total of 21 newly confirmed cases were found. The health official also said that there were also suspected clusters in southern Thailand, and investigations are now ongoing.

Apisamai Srirangsan, the deputy spokesperson of the Thailand Department of Disease Control, said that the gathering originated from a couple who entered Thailand from Belgium. They have followed the Test & Go - a quarantine-free measure provided by Thailand government for fully vaccinated travelers.

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COVID-19 variant Omicron spreads 70 times faster than variant Delta does. (Photo / Retrieved from Pixabay)

In addition, ApisamaiSrirangsan said that the two had tested negative for the virus before their departure and when they entered Thailand in early December. "But on December 15, they began to develop symptoms, and were diagnosed with COVID-19 after a screening test. Later, it was confirmed that they were infected with the new coronavirus variant Omicron.