Bangkok (People's Daily) - Thailand on Friday confirmed eight new cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, bringing the total to 3,000 since the virus first arrived in the kingdom in January.

(Photo: Sun Guangyong/People's Daily)

A total of 161 patients remain hospitalized, 2,784 have recovered and returned home, and 55 died from complications related to the disease, according to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health.

Thailand has enforced a national curfew since April 3. All nationals except medics, 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 as the curfew and other travel restrictions have slowed the spread of disease. 

Open-air markets, sports grounds and other public venues have been allowed since May 3.