As Thailand’s COVID-19 cases broke records for the third consecutive day, three other provinces have imposed lockdowns.

As the number of daily infections soared to a record high for the third consecutive day, Thailand has expanded COVID-19 restrictions to three other provinces, including stay-at-home orders and night curfews.

An announcement in the Royal Gazette on Sunday stated that starting from Tuesday, people living in Chonburi, Ayutthaya and Chachoengsao will not be allowed to go out unless necessary.

It added that a curfew will be imposed from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., and checkpoints will be set up to prevent people from traveling to other provinces.

Since last Monday, Bangkok and nine other provinces have been subject to these restrictions, the most severe in more than a year.

Thailand is currently fighting the longest and most severe epidemic to date. The country reported 11,397 infections and 101 deaths on Sunday, bringing the cumulative total to 403,386 and 3,341 deaths.

Due to the outbreak caused by the highly spread Alpha and Delta variants, most of the deaths and infections in Thailand have been recorded since April

The surge has overwhelmed hospitals, put pressure on the economy, and put into question the tourism recovery plan.

In order to control the epidemic, Thailand implemented a National ban on public gatherings, The penalty is up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 40,000 baht (US$1,219.88), or both.

At the same time, due to supply issues, the country’s vaccine launch is still slow.

Only 5% of Thailand’s population has been fully vaccinated, and health authorities said last week that they would seek to limit the export of locally produced AstraZeneca vaccines because the country does not have enough vaccines to meet its own needs.