School Shifts to Online Learning Amid COVID-19 Resurgence

SAMUT PRAKAN, May 26 (TNA) - Ratchawinit Bangkaeo School in Samut Prakan, has announced a temporary closure of its physical campus, transitioning to online learning from May 26 to May 28. This measure aims to curb a significant resurgence of COVID-19 cases, particularly among students.

The Department of Disease Control's weekly report, covering May 18-24, revealed over 53,000 new COVID-19 infections nationwide, with approximately 2,800 hospitalized cases and 5 deaths. The cumulative total for the year now exceeds 187,000 cases. Bangkok recorded the highest number of new cases at 9,575, followed by Chonburi. High infection rates were observed among working adults, the elderly, and young children, respectively.

Dr. Jirraruj Chomchey, a pediatric respiratory specialist at Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, shared alarming insights on his "Mor Jirraruj" Facebook page regarding the increase in pediatric cases since schools reopened just two weeks ago. COVID-19 has become the leading cause of illness among children. Infants under one year old are the most concerning group and frequently requiring hospitalization.

Dr. Jirraruj also noted a rise in other seasonal illnesses coinciding with the rainy season, including croup, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which he anticipates will surge within the next two weeks. He warns that the combination of persistent COVID-19 and other viral infections will pose significant challenges, especially for very young children. -819 (TNA)