Minister of Health Mam Bun Heng on March 24 issued a directive mandating that people wear face masks and maintain distancing in the capital and four provinces as the government seeks to contain the ongoing outbreak of Covid-19.

“Phnom Penh and the provinces of Preah Sihanouk, Kandal, Prey Veng, and Siem Reap are Covid-19 hotspots linked to the February 20 community transmission, so face masks and social and physical distancing in these areas are a must,” he said.

The decision was made in conjunction with a prakas issued on March 22 detailing such preventive measures amid the February 20 community outbreak, which has seen cases rise to nearly 1,300 as of March 24.

The directive, Bun Heng said, takes effect from March 24 until further notice.