Thailand’s 5 southernmost provinces, of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, are among those with the highest COVID-19 infection rate today (Monday).

The combined cases in the four provinces except Nakhon Si Thammarat accounted for 21% of all new cases reported in the last 24 hours, up from 17% last week, according to the Centre for COVID-10 Situation Administration (CCSA).

The ten provinces with the highest infection rates today are Bangkok (1,137), Yala (764), Chon Buri (594), Songkhla (484), Pattani (406), Samut Prakan (382), Narathiwat (314), Nakhon Si Thammarat (313), Ratchaburi (300) and Rayong (297), said CCSA Assistant Spokesperson Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan.

The bigger proportion of cases in the southern region goes against the decline in infections in the capital, which has dropped substantially from over 4,000 cases a day in August.

Noting that infections among family members are increasing, Dr. Apisamai suggested that the communicable disease committee in each province tighten up measures to contain intra-family infection.

She also said she had received a report about several eateries, in Hat Yai district of Songkhla province, operating during curfew hours and selling alcohol drinks in plastic glasses to their customers.

9,930 new infections were recorded in the past 24 hours. These include 9,561 locally acquired cases, 362 among prisoners and seven foreign arrivals. 12,336 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals. 109,748 cases are still undergoing treatment, including 3,071 severe cases, of whom 719 are on ventilators. 97 deaths were recorded.