BANGKOK, Feb. 25 (CNA) - Thailand confirmed two new cases of the coronavirus, a senior health official said, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 37.

Both of the new cases are Thai nationals, Sukhum Kanchanapimai, the health ministry's permanent secretary told a news conference on Tuesday (Feb 25).

One patient is a female, 31, and has a family member with a history of travelling from China, Sukhum said, adding that officials are investigating the rest of the family.

"The second is 29, a male driver for Chinese tourists," he added.

A total of 22 patients have been discharged in Thailand and 15 are still being treated.

The novel coronavirus has infected more than 77,000 people and killed nearly 2,700 in China. Outside of China, the virus has spread to about 29 countries and territories with a death toll of about two dozen.

Thailand said last week it would expand virus screening to cover travellers from Japan and Singapore, in addition to those from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Anyone from those places who displays symptoms will be quarantined at a government hospital.