Photo: Sun Guangyong/People's Daily

Bangkok (People's Daily) - Thailand on Sunday confirmed 5 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to 3,009 since the virus was first detected in the kingdom in January.

A total of 159 patients remain hospitalized,  2,794 have recovered and returned home, and 56 have died, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

Thailand has enforced a national curfew sincee April 3. All nationals except medical workers, emergency workers and personnel delivering medical supplies and patients are urged to stay at home. 

The national coronavirus response authority decided to extend the state of emergency for another month until May 31 because the curfew and other travel restrictions have slowed the spread of disease. 

The opening of open-air markets, sports grounds and some similar facilties was allowed from May 3.