A vegetable vendor goes about her business at a market in Phnom Penh’s Meanchey district. The capital’s state markets reopened on May 24 but with strict Covid-19 preventive measures in place to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Heng Chivoan
Phnom Penh's state-owned markets reopened on May 24 but with strict Covid-19 preventative measures in place to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
According to a directive signed by Phnom Penh municipal governor Khuong Sreng on May 20, improvised markets such as those near hospitals, factories or residential areas will remain shut until further notice.
Ek Nimol, the manager of Boeung Keng Kang market in Boeung Keng Kang district’s Boeung Keng Kang I commune, told The Post on May 24 that only the sale of items for daily necessities are permitted at the market.
“Our market has reopened, but it sells only fruit and vegetables, fish and meat. Generally speaking, it sells essential food, ingredients and milled rice. We are waiting for an appropriate time to sell other items,” he said.
Nimol added that all vendors and customers have to adhere to the “three protections and three don’ts” health guidelines before entering the market.
“We have tightened the measures and require vendors and customers to check temperatures, scan the ‘Stop Covid’ QR code, wash hands with alcohol gel and wear masks. In the market, we use a microphone to tell people to social distance.
“We separate the stalls with strings and allow just one vendor for one stall, and only 71 out of 1,400 stalls have reopened. So, only around 70 consumers can enter the market at a time,” he said.
Nimol noted that the market management team had cooperated with a private company to spray the market with disinfectant once a week.
A woman takes her temperatute and washes her hands before entering Phnom Penh’s Central Market, which reopens after being closed for one month as part of preventive measures, on May 24. Hong Menea
The situation is similar at Orussey Market, where only items for daily needs are allowed for sale.
“More than 40 stalls have reopened. We allow the sale of vegetables, fish, meat, coffee and noodles. We have only opened two entrances and three exits,” said Hot Vanthy, the market manager.
Sok Roeung, a fruit vendor at Boeung Keng Kang Market, said he was happy the market had reopened.
“Yesterday, I went to prepare my stall, but I would not forget the three protections and three don’ts guidelines and other preventive measures – masking, social distancing and washing hands with alcohol-based gel,” she said.
She said she had faced hardship since the markets closed on April 14, which had affected her daily livelihood as she had to stay home and pay more than usual for utilities.
According to the directive on May 20, everybody who entered market areas had to wear facemasks and social distance.
If people at the market do not wear masks, incorrectly wear them or do not keep a safe distance, market management would request local authorities to fine violators between 200,000 and one million riel ($50 to $250).
