Thailand reports 136 new COVID-19 cases as new infection rate slows

March 31, 2020
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The rise rate of new COVID-19 infections in Thailand has slowed down over the past three days, from 143 on Sunday to 136 on Monday and 127 today. Medical experts have, however, cautioned that the continuing rise, albeit slower, remains of concern because the contagion has now spread to 61 of the country’s 76 provinces.

Dr. Thaveesilp Wissanuyothing, at the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said today that the latest new infections bring the total in Thailand to 1,651, and the death toll has risen by one to 10.

He said that Bangkok is still the epicentre of the pandemic in the country, with 869 confirmed cases, followed by Nonthaburi with 79 and 56 in Phuket.

Regarding the boxing stadium and entertainment venue clusters, Dr. Thaveesilp said that rate of new infections from the two clusters is slowing, after the virus’s 14-day incubation period, “but there are still risks posed by an increasing number of Thais returning from abroad.”

He made clear that no harsher measures would need to be imposed if the public cooperate fully, by strictly observing and complying with the preventive measures already announced.

For work places which are still operating, Dr. Thaveesilp said the Government has sought cooperation from these businesses, by allowing their employees to work from home or take leave to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus.

According to the CCSA, 15 locations around the country with high infection rates are: