Two more areas in Phuket, well known for their resort hotels and beautiful beaches, have been locked down, effective today until further notice, as the provincial administration escalates efforts to curb growing spread of COVID-19.
Governor Pakkapong Thaweepat, in his capacity as the the director of the Phuket Emergency Situation Administration, signed two orders on Sunday to lock down Tambons Karon and Rawai, citing the risk of further transmission of the deadly disease.
Neither members of the public nor vehicles are allowed to enter or leave the two areas without permission from local authorities. Health officials will check the temperatures of everyone in the two areas and anyone who may be infected will be quarantined at designated locations.
Health officials will disinfect all shops, houses, public places.
On Sunday, the provincial administration ordered the lockdown of the Patong area for the same reason.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) director, Mr. Chula Sukmanop, said today that, after a 72 hour closure, Suvarnabhumi airport will resume partial operations from midnight tonight.
He said that the airport will only operate at certain times, depending on the availability of state quarantine facilities to accommodate arrivals.
He advised Thais overseas, with plans to return, to keep themselves abreast of the latest COVID-19 situation and additional measures likely to be taken by the Thai government, adding that airlines and passengers will be notified of any changes which may affect their flight plans at least 48 hours in advance.
