After five days of steady decline, the daily rate of new coronavirus infections in Thailand picked up to 34 today, from yesterday’s 28, and the total death toll has increased by one to 41.
Accumulated infections in the country to date are 2,613, with 1,405 recoveries and 1,167 cases still in hospital.
CCSA spokesman Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin attributed several of today’s newly reported cases to those infected seven days ago, as he warned members of the public to refrain from gathering in groups and to observe strict social distancing.
Analysis of the infections in four southern border provinces shows a disturbing trend, he said, citing the 77 confirmed cases in Pattani province, divided into Muslim pilgrims returning from Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan, people in close contact with the first group, those in close contact with the second group and those having visited crowded places.
The cases in Narathiwat province consist of those returning from religious pilgrimages to Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan and people in close contact with them.
The latest fatality was a female city bus driver, who contracted the virus from within her social group, ten of whom were also found to be infected.
Dr. Taweesin said that any passengers who use a bus on Route 140, and have developed a fever and fatigue, should visit a hospital for tests.
Bangkok has still seen most infections, at 1,311, followed by Phuket’s 186 and Nonthaburi’s 150. Nine provinces remain clear of the virus. They are Kamphaeng Phet, Chainat, Trat, Nan, Bung Karn, Phichit, Ranong, Sing Buri and Ang Thong.
Meanwhile, Dr. Taweesin insisted that the Government has not banned Thais abroad from returning, but would prefer them to return in an orderly fashion, adding that a group of 135 are due to arrive tonight from South Korea.
