The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has told banks and microfinance institutions (MFIs) to temporarily close their branches in areas of the capital that have been put in lockdown as parts of measures to stem the spread of Covid-19.

In a letter signed by NBC's director-general of banking supervision Rath Sovannorak on April 12 and sent to all banks and MFIs, NBC advised them to use various channels to inform and refer their customers to other branches or shift to online banking.

NBC directs banks and MFIs to maintain the salaries and benefits of staff at branches in lockdown areas.

According to the letter, this will take effect immediately until further notice.