Daily new infections among prison inmates surged to 1,087 today (Wednesday) from yesterday’s 77 cases, as nationwide new infections reached 3,440. 38 more deaths were also recorded today, according to the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).

CCSA Assistant Spokesperson Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan said that factory worker infection clusters, in about 10 provinces, were due mainly to poor ventilation, cramped conditions and contaminated contact points in the work places.

She said that, starting on June 15^th, the CCSA will let factories self-evaluate, whether conditions in their workplaces meet the safety standards set by the Disease Control Department, or officials will be sent to give them advice on how to improve matters.

There are more than 63,000 factories nationwide, with a total workforce of more than 3.4 million. Among 8,200 factories participating in the Thai Stop Covid programme, only 2,800 of which have completed their self-evaluation.

The CCSA subcommittee has decided to seek help from security forces, by sending their men and women to support city officials in tightening up controls at worker housing facilities and construction sites in Bangkok.

Construction sites and worker housing have been blamed for most new COVID-19 infections in Bangkok in recent weeks.

Dr. Apisamai said that, currently, there are 48 clusters of infections in Bangkok, which are being closely monitored, including the latest one at a shopping mall in the Lat Phrao area, where 23 infections have been confirmed.

Of the 38 deaths recorded today, 18 are in Bangkok, 4 in Samut Prakan, 3 each in Chonburi and Pathum Thani, 2 each in Chachoengsao, Nonthaburi and Surat Thani and 1 each in Ayutthaya, Roi Et, Ratchaburi and Udon Thani.

Cumulative infections, since early last year, have reached 165,462, including 49,777 who are still being treated in hospitals. Total death toll is 1,107.