Large number of Thailand's coronavirus cases traced to kick boxing event
Do you wonder what havoc could result if a fight card – with spectators – were held during the coronavirus threat? A case in Thailand provides an alarming snapshot.
Thailand reported 188 new cases on Sunday, bringing the Asian country’s total to 599, a public health office told the Bangkok Post. And many of those infected are connected to a kick boxing event held on March 6 at the indoor Lumpini Stadium in Bangkok. An estimated 5,000 people attended the 11-bout card.
As of Saturday, at least 72 of the cases were linked to that event and two smaller cards, according to The Associated Press.
Evidently, many of those who attended the first important Muay Thai event of the season were exposed to the virus and returned home unaware of the danger they posed.
“We were squeezed against each other,” one attendee said. “Normally the place isn’t that crowded. At other regular events, there would be about 1,500 to 2,000 people in the stadium but because this was a special match, there were many more people.”
Thai officials fear that many of those who attended the events from all parts of the country are what The Associated Press called, “viral time bombs.”
“The more people who report themselves, the easier it is for us to track down others with the virus before it’s too late.” said Dr. Thaveesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for the Public Health Ministry.