The Battambang Provincial Administration on August 22 reopened 59 markets in the town and districts that were previously closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The markets will have to follow strict preventative health measures.

Deputy provincial governor Soeum Bunrith said: “We ask everybody who visits markets to follow the health preventative measures, such as wearing a mask, social distancing and temperature checks. They must especially adhere to the ‘three dos and three don’ts’.”

Provincial governor Nguon Rattanak in a letter on August 21 announced the repeal of the administration’s decision on August 12 to continue administrative measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the province.

“The decision to reopen markets was made to kick start the economy in the province, because if it remains closed for too long, it will have a serious financial impact on people. However, everyone must strictly follow the health regulations,” he said.

However, Battambang provincial administration also temporarily locked down Ek Phnom district’s Prey Chas village and commune from August 21 until further notice. The lockdown was aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19 after 32 people were found positive for Covid-19.

The notification stated that during the lockdown, the Ek Phnom district administration must prevent entry and exit to the area. Anybody who had direct or indirect contact with people in the area must immediately notify provincial health officials for testing.

“Fines will be applied to individuals who fail to comply with administrative and health measures. The Battambang provincial administration wants to prevent the spread of Covid-19, regardless of other criminal offenses,” the letter said.

Battambang province recorded 98 Covid-19 cases with 154 recovered and two deaths on August 21.

At the same time, the Koh Kong provincial administration announced it would reopen Dang Tong Market in Krong Khemarak Phoumin’s Dang Tong commune from August 21. Strict implementation of health and administrative measures would also be applied.

In a statement issued on August 20, the provincial administration said: “In the case of market tax contractor of Dang Tong market, vendors and relevant people who do not cooperate or implement behaviour contrary to the content of this decision shall be held responsible to the law or have sales suspended in and around the market.”