The two orders by Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana to “shut down” the areas to try to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus were dated as issued yesterday (Apr 6). Both orders were worded to come into effect on Apr 7, meaning at midnight last night.
A copy of the order to shut down Kathu was posted on the Kathu Municipality official Facebook page at 10:29am today (Apr 7). (See here.)
At the time this article was posted, the order to shut down Chalong had yet to be posted on the Chalong Municipality official Facebook page, but Chalong Mayor Samran Jindapol confirmed by phone that copies of the order presented to The Phuket News were genuine and that they would be posted soon. (See Chalong Municipality official Facebook page here.)
At the time this story was posted, neither order had been made public by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department. (See here.)
All non-essential vehicles are now banned from entering or leaving the two subdistricts, including all public transport buses, said the orders.
People are asked to say in their homes, and public health teams will be deployed to check the areas for the virus.
Any persons in the areas who start to experience any symptoms of infection are to report to officials immediately.
Chalong Municipality and Kathu Municipality have been ordered to ensure important public areas are santised in their respective areas.
Both orders issued by Governor Phakaphong noted, “[We] ask people in the area not to leave their homes or place of residence to protect themselves from infection and [because] they may be a carrier and spread the CONVID-19 virus to other people
However, they also pointed out that breach of the order would violate Section 52 of the Communicable Disease Act 2015, which may incur a penalty of up to one year in prison or a fine of up to B100,000, or both.
Both orders are in effect until further notice.