Photo: People's Daily

Bangkok (People's Daily) - Thailand on Monday confirmed three new cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, bringing the total to 3,031 since the virus first arrived in the kingdom in January.

A total of 118 patients remain hospitalized,  2,857 have recovered and returned home, and 56 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, have been urged to stay at home. 

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

Open-air markets, sports grounds, restaurants and other public venues have reopened on May 3.

The Thai government decided to shorten curfew hours and allowed shopping malls and restaurants to reopen on May 17.

Wholesale markets, conference centers and swimming pools will also resume operation on May 17, part of a phased plan of reopening the country.