In an effort to halt Covid-19 infections in the Kingdom, Prime Minister Hun Sen has postponed the Khmer New Year holidays scheduled from April 13 to 16.

While the people will not have their usual break, nor will there be any public celebrations or gatherings at pagodas, the people can still celebrate within their families.

Hun Sen promised to compensate with a five-day holiday at a more suitable time.

He told all government officials, the private sector, and factory workers to continue working as usual.

Speaking in a special press conference at the Peace Palace this morning, Hun Sen said the decision was made to contain Covid-19 infections in the Kingdom.

“A holiday for three days ... what do you need it for when people in the countryside are afraid of getting infected by you, and you are also afraid of getting infected by them,” Hun Sen said.

Hun Sen appealed to the public not to return to their hometowns or visit any resort during this time.

He also told some 150 Cambodian migrant workers from Malaysia, who are scheduled to fly back to the Kingdom today, to delay their return.

As of Tuesday, Cambodia has recorded a total of 115 Covid-19 infections, mostly involving imported cases.

Meantime, five more patients have recovered, bringing the total number discharged from hospitals to 58.