Thailand’s Biggest Island on Lockdown to Contain Coronavirus

  • Resort island Phuket takes drastic steps after infections rise
  • Many Thai airlines separately said they are grounding planes
A quiet seating area in the domestic terminal of the Phuket Airport on March 22.Photographer: Mladen Antonov/AFP via Getty Images
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Phuket in Thailand is on lockdown starting Monday, with most transportation to the island banned, in the latest effort to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in the usually popular tourist destination.

The order will last for at least one month, according to Phuket Governor Pakkapong Taweepat. Boats, cars and trucks providing essential goods and services are exempted.