Six additional cases of novel coronavirus 2019 infection in Thailand have been confirmed by the Ministry of Public Health, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 14.

Public health permanent secretary Dr. Suhum Kanchanapimai told a news conference, at the Public Health Ministry today, that five of the six confirmed cases were members of the same Chinese family from Hubei province, who travelled to Thailand together, while the sixth, also a Chinese tourist, came from Chongqing municipality.

The five family members, aged from six to 60, were suspected to be infected with novel coronavirus upon their arrival in Thailand and isolated for two blood tests, which showed positive results.  They and the sixth were subsequently taken to Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute for treatment.

Of the eight cases confirmed earlier, five have been discharged and have returned to China, leaving behind three who are still hospitalized, but they are reported to be out of danger.

Dr. Suhum said that, so far, 136 Chinese tourists have been examined at airports or hospitals after they were suspected to be infected.  He added, however, that most were found to be infected with common flu and given treatment and 55 of them have already returned home.

As of today, he said that the screening process, using automatic thermo-scanning, at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang international airports has been enhanced, with all passengers coming from China on all flights being subjected to the screening process.

He reiterated that the Public Health Ministry will not cover up any information related to the novel coronavirus, adding that suspected cases account for just 10% of arrivals.