Around 100 tourists were told to leave Koh Lan in Bang Lamung district, as the island was placed under a local lockdown from today until 20th January.
The lockdown, which was announced on Sunday evening by the island’s COVID-19 committee, came after a person was found to be infected at Bali Hai pier, from where ferry services that connect Pattaya and Koh Lan depart.
Chon Buri’s public health office has also asked those who travelled between Pattaya and Koh Lan through Bali Hai pier between 18th – 31st December to closely monitor their health.
The announcement required operators of lodges and resorts to clear out all tourists by yesterday and barred them from accepting new guests until the situation is resolved.
Before leaving, all tourists were asked to inform the Koh Lan COVID-19 committee if they developed COVID-like symptoms as soon as possible.
Yesterday morning, boats were seen taking tourists back to the mainland. Upon docking at Bali Hai pier, they were sprayed with disinfectant and had their temperatures checked.
At the same time, tourists who didn’t know the island had been locked down were turned away by officials at the pier.
In addition to clearing out tourists from the island, the lockdown announcement means Koh Lan residents are not allowed to leave the island until 20th January.
Exceptions can be made, however, in urgent situations or emergencies, and residents will be screened upon arriving in Pattaya.
Anyone wishing to travel to Koh Lan for business must receive prior permission from the COVID-19 Centre at the pier and the trip must be vouched for by a local residing on the island.
Foreign migrant workers are not allowed to travel to the island until further notice.
Speedboat services to and from the island are currently suspended, and travel must be arranged through the COVID-19 Centre at the pier.
Until 20th January, there will be 3 ferries running between Pattaya and Koh Lan. The ferries depart from Pattaya at 7 am, noon and 6 pm, and leave the island at 7 am, noon and 5 pm.
On the island, a curfew is enforced between 10 pm and 5 am and restaurants are open for take-outs only.
Public health authorities are urging Koh Lan residents to monitor their own health.
If residents develop COVID-19 symptoms, they should report immediately to the island’s medical centre for further testing or call the hotline at 038-434144.
