Thailand recorded 39 new COVID-19 cases today (Monday), as health officials keep a close watch on a new cluster in the Saphan Soong district of Bangkok, related to the Bang Khae market cluster.

A butcher, at a fresh market in Saphan Soong district, reportedly developed symptoms on March 11^th and tested positive for COVID-19 two days later, after he had already spread the disease to his wife, who is an asymptomatic case.  Seven other people in the same house have been placed under observation.

CCSA assistant spokesperson, Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan, said that a 57-year old lottery vendor in Saphan Soong has also been infected and the disease has already spread to four family members, including a 4-year old.

The northeastern province of Kalasin also reported its first infection, a 35-year old saleswoman, working at a department store in the province, who is reported to have travelled to Bangkok to visit a vendor friend at one of the markets in Bang Khae district.

Of the new cases today, 28 are locally-acquired infections and 11 are travelers from abroad in state quarantine. Cumulative infections, since early last year, are 28,773, with 27,313 recoveries. 1,366 others are still being treated in hospitals.  The national death toll remains 94.

Of the 28 locally-acquired infections, 15 are in Bangkok and 10 in Samut Sakhon province.

Meanwhile, the Public Health Ministry has warned private hospitals not to advertise advance bookings for COVID-19 vaccinations to members of the public, claiming that the practice is illegal.

Dr. Thares Krasnairawiwong, director-general of the Health Service Support Department, said today that such advertising is against the law, because the department has not yet permitted any private hospital or clinic to accept vaccine bookings.

He said that the hospital in question has already agreed to pull the advertising from its webpage and other social media platforms.