439 of 527 new Covid-19 cases found in Samut Sakhon

Of the domestic cases, 56 were engaged in occupations that exposed them or took them to risky places -- Bangkok (1), Phetchaburi (1), Surin (1), Nonthaburi (1), Samut Sakhon (31), Singburi (3), Ayutthaya (2), Suphanburi (1) Bangkok (12), and Nonthaburi (1), and 439 were found positive in proactive testing in Samut Sakhon (390 migrant workers and 49 Thais).

Twenty-six cases in Nakhon Pathom, one in Nan, six in Surat Thani and 18 in Nonthaburi are under investigation to find the source of the infection.

Six patients tested positive in quarantine facilities -- four Thais returning from Turkey, Pakistan, United Kingdom, and Denmark, and two Indians from their country.

CCSA spokesperson Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin said 56 provinces had now been designated red zones with Singburi and Nan being the latest to be added to the list.

Meanwhile, 45 patients have recovered and been discharged.

The total number of confirmed cases in Thailand has risen to 8,966 – 6,900 of which were contracted domestically, including 2,476 migrant workers, and 2,066 returnees. So far, 4,397 have recovered and been discharged, while 65 have died.

According to Worldometer, as of 10am on Monday, the total number of confirmed cases globally since the outbreak had risen to 86.10 million (up 534,035), 61.5 million have recovered, 23.19 million are active cases (107,874 in severe condition) and 1.86 million have died (up 9,023).

Thailand ranks 132nd in the global list of most cases, while the US tops the list with 21.35 million, followed by India 10.36 million, Brazil 7.75 million, Russia 3.26 million and United Kingdom 2.71 million.

Dr Taweesin said the outbreak from Samut Sakhon had spread to 45 provinces with most cases in the outbreak area (2,296), followed by Bangkok (86), Nakhon Pathom (38), Samut Prakarn (33), and Nonthaburi (17). Of the total patients, 71 per cent are Myanmar nationals, Thais are 24 per cent and other nationalities 5 per cent.

As for the Rayong cluster, 426 cases have been found since December 23. The average age of patients is 49 (36-57). Gender ratio in Rayong is 1.23 females to 1 male. The cluster spread to 7-8 districts of which three districts had more than 50 patients; 197 patients had got the virus from visiting gambling dens, followed by cockfighting ring (11), fitness centre (9).

He said the 50th case in Chiang Mai, a female vendor, 25, had close contact with the 62nd person to have died. He asked people who had visit entertainment venues in Bangkok and Chiang Mai to monitor their symptoms.