Thailand recorded another daily surge in new COVID-19 infections today with 427 cases, including 413 related to Samut Sakhon, according to the CCSA.

CCSA spokesman Dr. Taweesin Wissanuyothin told a news conference this morning that there are 16 Thais and 397 migrant workers from Myanmar among the new infections linked toSamut Sakhon’s central shrimp market, the source of the new outbreak. 14 others are arrivals from abroad in state quarantine.

Most of the 16 infected Thais have developed symptoms, including fevers, coughs, runny noses and anosmia.

He said that the outbreak in Samut Sakhon is focused in a core area about two kilometres in diameter, covering the central shrimp market where, so far, 914 infections have been found, or 44% of the cases related to Samut Sakhon.

In a second ring, around the core, 84 cases have been reported, or 8% of total cases and the outer ring, covering the Thalay Thai market, has seen 91 cases, or 14%.  Altogether 5,838 samples have been tested.

Dr. Taweesin said it was discovered that the seafood industry in Samut Sakhon, the largest in Thailand, has business connections with traders in 22 provinces, namely Chiang Mai, Phetchabun, Nakhon Ratchasima, Samut Prakan, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumpon, Saraburi, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi, Bangkok and Songkhla.

He also said that the CCSA may give another briefing about the situation this evening, as more new cases are expected from Samut Sakhon.

Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he will propose to the cabinet today that more powers, under the Infectious Disease Control Act instead of the Emergency Act, be given to health officials to help them deal more effectively with the COVID-19 situation.