Daily virus cases hit new peak in Thailand

ANKARA (AA) – Thailand reported over 950 more coronavirus cases on Tuesday, a new daily record in fatalities since the start of the pandemic.

According to latest data, 959 new infections, including 22 imported cases, have raised the country’s total to 14,646, daily Bangkok Post reported.

Samut Sakhon province, where a major outbreak began last month, accounted for 914 of the new infections.

With no additional fatalities, the COVID-19 death toll in Thailand remained at 75.

Despite its initial success in curbing the virus’ spread, cases have soared in the Buddhist-majority country since December, with the previous record high of 745 hit on Jan. 4.

The new outbreak is largely centered in the Samut Sakhon province.

On Monday, the government said vaccinations will start next month.

Thai authorities have approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use and the government has also secured two million doses of Chinese firm Sinovac’s vaccine.

The first batch of 200,000 doses is due to reach Thailand next month, followed by 800,000 in March and another 1 million in April.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid