PHNOM PENH (UCAN): Cambodian government and provincial authorities extended restrictions meant to curb the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus [SARS-CoV-2]—in particular the Delta variant—to the end of August. However, a lockdown of provinces bordering Thailand was eased as early as August 12.
The announcement came despite a continued fall in caseloads to less than 500 a day as the country’s rapid rollout of vaccinations appears to be taking effect, with more than half the population having receiving at least one jab.
The curfew will also remain in place but will now be in enforced from 10.00pm-3.00am as opposed to the initial 9.00pm-3.00am stay-at-home order. Private gatherings have been restricted to a maximum of 15 people compared with 10 previously.
Authorities have had trouble enforcing the curfew. According to the Khmer Times, more than 4,000 people were detained and fined on August 11 for violating the curfew.
The Phnom Penh municipal administration said high-risk occupational and business activities such as in-class learning, nightclubs, casinos, museums, playgrounds, massage spas, alcohol outlets, cinemas and fitness centres will also remain closed until August 26.
“All provincial and municipal authorities are advised to contain and prevent the Covid-19 spread with a proactive and responsible spirit and to continue to effectively and simultaneously take and reinforce all necessary restriction measures in conformity with the directive on the nationwide campaign dated July 28,” Agence Kampuchea Presse reported.
Cambodia hopes to reach herd immunity by the end of the year by vaccinating 80 per cent of the country’s 16.5 million people. The rollout was extended to children aged 12-17 on August 1.
Cambodia hopes to reach herd immunity by the end of the year by vaccinating 80 per cent of the country’s 16.5 million people. The rollout was extended to children aged 12-17 on August 1.
Minister of Economy and Finance, Aun Pornmoniroth, said another four million doses will be needed to vaccinate about two million children, adding that 31 million doses had so far been pledged, with 22 million already received or expected.
All 16.5 million doses of Sinovac on order from China are expected to arrive by the end of this month.
As of August 13, Cambodia confirmed 83,389 Covid-19 cases, with 78,431 recoveries and 1,634 deaths, nearly all following a breach of quarantine on February 20 [Sunday Examiner, March 7]. Concerning the more contagious Delta variant, 429 cases were detected in recent weeks, with 11 confirmed on August 11 in Phnom Penh, Kampong Speu, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, Koh Kong, Oddar Meanchey and Svay Rieng provinces.
Fears about the variant, which was first detected in India, have been fanned largely out of Thailand, where daily infections are hitting 20,000, with the country struggling to deliver on promised vaccinations.
The Khmer Times reported concerns that infection numbers could rise exponentially with the reopening of the border with Thailand on August 12, allowing Cambodian migrant workers to cross back into the country
