The Public Health Ministry on Friday reported 27 more Covid-related deaths, and 2,044 new cases, raising the total to 78,855.

Over the past 24 hours, 2,377 patients recovered and were discharged from hospitals.

In the third wave of Covid-19, starting early last month, there have been 49,992 cases, 21,746 of whom have already recovered.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration said 18 deaths were in Bangkok, two each in Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan provinces and one each in Pathum Thani, Chaiyaphum, Chachoengsao, Ranong and Rayong.

Fifteen were men and 12 women. They were aged 30-90 years.

Thirteen had been in close contact with infected family members, five lived in risk areas, one was a shop owner, another had contact with another confirmed case and one visited a risk area.

The 2,044 new cases were reported in 68 provinces and included 2,040 local infections, 1,820 of which were confirmed at hospitals and 220 via mass testing.

Greater Bangkok recorded 1,372 new cases and the rest of the country logged 668 new cases over the past 24 hours.

Bangkok alone had 869 new cases (up from 739 the previous day), followed by 201 in Nonthaburi, 165 in Samut Prakan, 89 in Chon Buri, 69 in Samut Sakhon, 60 in Surat Thani, 39 in Pathum Thani, 33 in Chiang Mai, 32 in Ayutthaya and 29 each in Nakhon Pathom and Ranong.

Four new cases were quarantined arrivals.

The death toll is now 363.