Thailand has enforced national curfew starting April 3. (Photos: Sun Guangyong/People's Daily)

Bangkok (People's Daily) - Thailand on Friday confirmed 50 new cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, bringing the total to 2,473, including 80 doctors and nurses since the virus first arrived in the kingdom in January.

A total of 1,427 patients remain hospitalized, 1,013 have recovered and returned home, and 33 others died from complications related to the disease, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health.

Thailand has enforced national curfew from 10 pm to 4 am starting April 3. All nationals except medics, emergency workers and personnel delivering medical supplies and patients, are urged to stay at home. There are 923 checkpoints across the country.

The Thai government has restricted traffic and activities to control the pandemic, and banned people from entering the country until April 18.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the curfew is to better curb the spread of the pandemic due to the rising number of infections.