Thailand is testing tens of thousands of people for Covid-19 after an outbreak at a shrimp market led to the biggest surge in cases in the country, which had appeared to have almost eradicated the virus.
So far, 821 infections, mostly among migrant workers, have been linked to the market in Samut Sakhon, where coronavirus was detected late last week. Cases have since been reported elsewhere, including in Bangkok, which is 45km away by road.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said the virus was under control but urged people to wear masks and practice social distancing. “We will have to cut the epidemic cycle quickly. We already have experience in handling it,” he wrote in a post on Facebook.
Thailand recorded more than 500 cases on Saturday, the biggest one-day increase in the country, and a number that has continued to rise due to extensive testing.
Thailand has so far managed to…
