The spread of Covid-19 to Maha Sarakham had led to active testing of 4,149 people to date in the province, and with 60% of the results back all were negative so far, the government spokesman said on Wednesday.

Taweesilp Visanuyothin of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration said that 2,477 of the tests were negative, with results still awaited on the other 1,672.

Active case finding began after 21 people were confirmed infected with the novel coronavirus in the northeastern province.

Of the patients, 17 were Mara Sarakham natives, three lived in Ratchaburi and one in Khon Kaen, Dr Taweesilp said.

The Covid-19 transmission was believed to have occurred at a business banquet on Jan 10.

Muang and Kantharawichai districts were declared maximum Covid-19 control zones, with strict disease prevention measures enforced. Seventeen places had been closed to control the spread of the disease, Dr Taweesilp said.