It has also urged the private sector to refrain from holding celebratory activities so as not to expose the mass to the risk of Covid-19 infection.

He said if a company pressed ahead with the event, it must ensure maximum safety of the attendants.

Widespread fears of the vrius have already led to cancellations of many crowd- drawing events in Thailand.

Recently, organiser of the famous Full Moon Party on Pha-ngan island, cancelled the annual event over the Covid-19 outbreak.

The government has asked state authorities to request private companies not to hold activities involving a large number of people.