Despite the decline in Covid-19 cases the Ministry of Health has again reminded people to stay cautious and prevent the spread of Covid-19 during this year’s Water Festival.

The holiday’s usual main event – boat races in Phnom Penh – was cancelled earlier this year due to the pandemic, but many smaller events, ceremonies and gatherings are set to take place outside of the capital.

Minister of Health Mam Bun Heng said on November 18 that Covid-19 cases in Cambodia had decreased significantly but the threat was not over yet. The health minister reminded the public to continue practicing the three dos and three don’ts.

Bun Heng also advised the public to protect their health during Cambodia’s upcoming cold season.

He added that the most common seasonal illnesses during the cold season between December and January every year are respiratory diseases caused by viruses or allergies with symptoms lik a runny nose, sore throat, coughing and gastrointestinal problems.

“Some simple measures you can practise to take care of yourself and your family members, especially the elderly, babies and children are wearing warmer clothes, scarves, hats and gloves to keep the cold from your body and to maintain normal body heat,” he said.

He said that babies, children and the elderly are at higher-risk for cold weather-related illnesses.

“Babies lose their body heat faster than adults and the elderly find it difficult to cope with the cold weather. Thus, babies at age less than one year should not sleep in cold rooms. Provide babies with warm clothing and cover them with blankets to try and keep their body temperatures warm, as well as in the baby's room,” he said.

Mam Bun Heng added that the elderly are at risk because the cold weather can be life-threatening to them if they have chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.