PHUKET (NNT) – The quarantine-free Phuket Sandbox program for vaccinated travelers has generated 1.6 billion baht in revenue from some 28,000 international visitors since launching on July1st. The province is now proactively seeking new local cases of COVID-19, to ensure they receive treatment as quickly as possible.
In a video conference between the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration’s Operation Center and Phuket Sandbox Operation Center, the province today reported 88 cases of COVID-19 among international arrivals, 67 of whom have since recovered.
Notable financial contributions to the 1.63 billion baht revenue from tourists, was for accommodation – 565 million baht, followed by purchases of goods and tourism services – 376 million baht, food and beverages – 350 million baht, medical and health treatments amounting to 229 million baht, and 114 million baht spent in other categories.
So far, 346 international flights have arrived at Phuket International Airport from 1st July to 4th September, bringing in 3,721 visitors from the United States, 3,470 visitors from the United Kingdom, 3,153 visitors from Israel, 2,262 visitors from France, and 2,247 visitors from Germany.
10,492 of the tourists arriving in Phuket have now returned to their countries of origin, while 17,705 have travelled on to other provinces of Thailand after their required 14-day stay in Phuket. There are 4,963 international tourists currently staying on the island.
The Governor of Phuket Narong Woonciew, said today that the province is now conducting proactive case finding among high-risk communities for COVID-19 infections, including migrant workers, workers in the fishing industry, and local ethnic communities.
He said the province is now reporting a higher number of new cases of COVID-19 as a result of the operation, with daily new cases averaging 200-250 cases over the past week.
The Governor of Phuket said given the higher case numbers, the province is now working to ensure all newly indentified infected persons have immediate access to treatment.
