COVID-19 infections related to Pornpat Market, in Thailand’s central province of Pathum Thani, have spread to eight other provinces and, so far, 182 people have tested positive for the virus, said Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of the Disease Control Department, on Sunday.

He explained that traders or others linked to the market had travelled to several provinces in the course of their trade, spreading the virus from Pathum Thani to eight other provinces, with seven cases in Nakhon Nayok, three in Phetchaburi, two each in Bangkok and Saraburi and one each in Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Nakhon Ratchasima and Phrae.

He cited the case of a seven-year old child, whose mother is a vendor at Pornpat Market, who went to visit relatives in Nakhon Ratchasima. He advised anyone who has recently had close contact with Pornpat Market vendors to seek medical counselling or call the 1422 hotline if they are concerned that they could be infected.

Dr. Opas said health investigators found the market building has a low ceiling, which results in poor air circulation and said that vendors ate together and did not wear face masks at all times which could cause rapid spread of infections among people in the market.

He suggested that air circulation in the market must be improved and all visitors and vendors must wear face masks all the time.

Meanwhile, in Mae Sot border district township, Dr. Opas disclosed that active case finding in several communities and factories has, so far, found 112 COVID-19 cases, about 100 of them are Myanmar migrant workers and the rest Thais.