Although Prime Minister Hun Sen has declared the country fully reopened in all sectors from November 1 onwards, karaoke parlours – or KTVs – and entertainment businesses including bars and discotheques will remain shut as the establishments are deemed places of high risk for Covid-19 transmission.

Phnom Penh municipal governor Khuong Sreng has issued strict orders to all district authorities to enforce health measures and not allow the above-mentioned businesses in the capital to reopen. However, beer gardens and restaurants are excluded from the suspension.

“The government has reopened all sectors but entertainment clubs and KTVs are not allowed to open yet, while restaurants and beer gardens can resume operations,” Sreng said during a virtual meeting with district governors on November 2.

He explained that restaurants and beer gardens are exempted because the seats are far enough away from each other.

He added that authorities and relevant forces have to move swiftly on any nightclubs and KTVS that operate secretly as these two businesses pose a high risk for spreading the coronavirus.

The municipal hall also extended the suspension of all occupations and business activities deemed as posing high risk of transmission for 14 days through November 11.

The instruction followed Hun Sen’s recent speech on the matter.

“I heard that restaurants in Phnom Penh are filling up with patrons. If beer gardens reopen, leave them be. But make sure that everyone including the owners, staff and patrons have been vaccinated,” the prime minister said.