Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Mai recorded an additional 281 COVID-19 cases today (Sunday), mostly related to nightspots, prompting provincial authorities to expand facilities at the field hospital.

According to the provincial health office, infections in the third wave of the outbreak are 662.

186 patients are now being treated at the field hospital, located in the International trade exhibition centre, 91 female and 95 male, said health officials, adding that new asymptomatic and mild cases are flowing into the hospital on daily basis.

The hospital is to be expanded over the next 3 days, to accommodate up to 800 patients, said officials.

Yesterday, health officials appealed for public donations of bottled drinking water, sanitary paper, garbage bins and bags, beds and mattresses for the field hospital.

Meanwhile, Chiang Mai zoo has announced its closure for 14 days after a student trainee was diagnosed with COVID-19.  Several other zoo officials, regarded as being at high risk, have been told to report for screening and to enter self-isolation.