The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) reported two more deaths from COVID-19 and 143 new cases today (Monday).

According to CCSA deputy spokesperson Dr. Apisamai Srirangsan, one of the fatalities was a 78-year old man, living in Samut Sakhon province, who rarely went outdoors. On January 16^th and 17th, however, his daughter paid him a visit and they ate together at home.

On January 19^th the man developed a cough and sore throat. He went for a test at a hospital, which showed a COVID-19 positive result and an X-ray revealed a severe lung infection.

On January 30^th, the victim experienced fatigue and was put on a respirator. He developed a blood infection and his condition worsened until his death on February 13^th.

The second fatality was a 62 year old diabetic vegetable vendor, in the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, who also suffered from hypertension.  He developed virus-related symptoms on January 5^th and his condition steadily worsened, with the onset of a severe lung infection.  He died on February 14^th.

Of the new infections today, 132 are locally acquired cases and 11 are among arrivals from abroad in state quarantine.  Cumulative infections, to date, are 24,714, with 22,883 recoveries.

Dr. Apisamai said that health officials have kept a close watch on the cluster of infections in Chulalongkorn University and its neighbourhood, where 20 cases have been recorded so far.

In Pathum Thani province, which borders Bangkok, 50 additional cases have been found. Since February 9^th, 1,333 people at Pornpat Market, a hotbed of new infections, have been tested and 175 of them were found to be infected.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority of Thailand, the operator of city bus services, announced today that one of its drivers, on the No 34 route, was found to be infected and is now being treated at Lam Luk Ka hospital in Pathum Thani province.