60 new cases of Covid-19 infection have been confirmed today, of which 43 were linked to boxing stadiums, entertainment venues, and religious ceremonies, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Thaialnd to 272, said Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoen, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, today (March 19).

The number today represents the most cases confirmed in 24 hours, he added.

Of the 43, 12 were traced to the previous cases from Lumpinee, Rajadamnern, and Jitmuangnon boxing stadiums, including fans, stadium staffers and relatives of people visiting the stadiums.

14 were linked to the previous cluster from entertainment venues located in Thonglor, Suanlung, Ramkhamhaeng and Sukumvit districts, including employees, chefs, MCs, waiters, owners, DJs, and customers while 12 had had close contact with the infected individuals.

5 confirmed cases were linked to religious ceremonies.

Meanwhile, another 17 cases involved returnees from Taiwan, France, Japan UK, Italy, Cambodia, Germany, India, Malaysia and Iran with some having travelled to more than one of these countries.

Three cases of infection were found in people who had close contact with foreigners, including one fitness centre’s trainer, and a reporter while the sources of infection in three other cases are still being investigated.

Patients in serious conditions in Suratthani and Petchabon are being closely monitored. A 70-year-old man who was critically ill, but tested negative for the virus, has improved.

As of March 19, the total number of confirmed cases in the country stands at 272: 229 are under treatment, 42 have recovered and discharged, and there has been one death.

The 57 cases of confirmed infection from entertainment venues and 52 from boxing stadium made up the bulk of the total.

83 people who have returned from Italy are being quarantined at the Sattahip Navy base. All have tested negative, but will stay at the base for a 14-day period.