NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Mass Covid testing has been ordered at all markets in this northeastern province after infections liked to a major wholesale farm market jumped to over 400.
The provincial communicable disease committee said on Wednesday that virus infections linked to Talad Suranaree in Muang district had now spread to 14 districts – Muang, Phimai, Sikhiu, Kham Thale So, Nong Bunmak, Dan Khun Thot, Non Thai, Chalerm Prakiat, Huai Thalaeng, Pak Thong Chai, Wang Nam Khieo, Pra Thong Kham, Non Sung and Kham Sakae Saeng.
More than 400 people had been confirmed infected to date.
The panel had asked agencies in all districts to conduct mass testing at all markets, to contain the spread of the virus.
The committee earlier extended the closure of Talad Suranaree, the largest wholesale market for fresh produce in the Northeast, until Sept 25 in a bid to control the spread of the disease.
Seree Chaikitti, mayor of tambon Jor Hor municipality in Muang district, said on Wednesday that all vendors at Home Gardenville Sra Krok market, and people living nearby, should report for Covid-19 testing.
He said six vendors at the market had already tested positive for the virus. Their infections were linked to the cluster at Talad Suranaree.
Health workers on Wednesday used antigen kits in testing local residents free of charge. More than 200 took the tests, and two of them tested positive.