COVID-19 infections in Thailand have surged by 250 cases in a single day today (Wednesday), with many linked to illegal gambling activities, said CCSA spokesman Dr. Taweesin Wissanuyothin at a news conference this morning.
Of the new cases, only nine concern arrivals from abroad with eight of them in state quarantine and the rest locally-acquired cases involving Thais.
Dr. Taweesin said that 198 cases are thought to be linked to illegal gambling activities. These include 108 in Chon Buri, 53 in Rayong, 12 in Samut Sakhon, 17 in Nonthaburi, 7 in Chanthaburi and 1 in Trat, adding that the virus has now spread to 48 provinces.
According to initial information, infections among women are twice as frequent as in men, with an average age over 40, and this appears to indicate that women are more involved in gambling than men, he said.
Cumulative infections in Thailand, to date, are 6,690, with 4,212 recoveries and 61 deaths.
Effective today, until further notice, public assemblies, such as protests, are prohibited in maximum controlled zones andcontrolled zones, except activities within families or at home or activities arranged by government agencies.
As many people are travelling during the New Year break, Dr.Taweesin advised them to check, before their journey, to make sure the their destinations do not require visitors to be quarantined.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has issued an announcement, effective from Thursday until further notice, banning food and drinks on all domestic flights in wake of the new COVID-19 outbreak.
Cabin crew, however, may serve drinking water to passengers in case of emergency or as necessary, but the service must separatefrom other passengers.
Magazines, newspapers and pamphlets will not be allowed on board, except for safety manuals.
