Phnom Penh municipal governor Khuong Sreng has instructed the capital’s 14 district administrations to maintain efforts in preventing Covid-19 and to avoid a repeat of measures taken in mid-April and early May when a lengthy lockdown and curfew were enforced while hundreds of people tested positive each day.

Sreng gave the instructions during a virtual meeting with the district governors on June 2, when the municipality also issued a new directive announcing the suspension of all occupations and business activities deemed as posing high risks of transmission as well as a ban on any gatherings with more than 15 people.

“We are very exhausted in our work to curb the spread of Covid-19 for the past three months. So, we have to be united and continue preventative measures to make sure this bad situation doesn’t return,” he said.

According to the new directive, Businesses and occupations deemed as posting high risks include entertainment clubs, KTVs, nightclubs, discotheques, beer gardens, casinos, resorts, museum, parks, massage parlours, cinemas and sport centres.

Public and private educational institutions and vocational training centres must also be suspended but are allowed to transition online. Some other businesses might also be suspended depending on the actual situation, the directive said.

All gatherings with more than 15 people are also banned, except among family members in the same home, at funerals permitted by the authorities, or among health workers who collect specimens for Covid-19 testing, and providers of emergency services.

Businesses not deemed as posing high risks as stated in the directive can proceed as usual but must strictly follow preventive measures and require staff to scan the ‘Stop Covid’ QR Code.

“The 14 district administrations and relevant departments have to inspect and enforce administrative measures, and those who violate the measures are to be punished without exception,” Sreng said.

The directive came as the Kingdom continues to grapple with the community outbreak of Covid-19, with 1,479 infections and 16 deaths recorded on June 2-3 alone.

The municipality also extended the restrictions on some areas in two villages that have been designated as orange zones in two districts for another week. The villages – Phsar Touch in Russey Keo district’s Tuol Sangke I commune and Prey Tea in Por Sen Chey district’s Chaom Chao III commune – are still considered as having high risks of transmission.

As of June 3, Cambodia had recorded a total of 32,189 Covid-19 cases with 24,763 recoveries and 236 fatalities.

Minister of National Defence Tea Banh said Covid-19 remained a major challenge for the whole world including Cambodia, especially in the wake of the February 20 community outbreak.

“Troops and all people, please remain vigilant and adhere to health guidelines including the ‘three protections and three don’ts’,” he said.