BANGKOK, 13 February 2014 Protesters in Bangkok acknowledged the risk of contracting the H1N1 influenza at protest venues, but most failed to take the necessary precaution against the virus.
Doctors at Mahidol University’s Ramathibodi Hospital recently has called on those partaking in activities of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) to guard against contracting H1N1 by wearing face masks. Reporters visiting the protest site at the Pathumwan intersection in Bangkok on Wednesday found that the protesters were aware of this warning and were concerned about contracting the virus, but did not take any preventive measure. Some of the rally-goers were spotted carrying face masks, but not wearing them.
One of the demonstrators told reporters a coach carrying rally supporters from Suratthani and bound for Bangkok had to turn around before reaching its intended destination after scores of passengers contracted influenza.
Doctors earlier explained that H1N1 was spreading at the protest camps due to the crowded condition and lack of good hygiene practices. Doctors also suggested that rally supporters who were not of good health should avoid direct participation and watch broadcasts of the protest from home instead.
