Nearly 2,000 people were detained in the capital for violating the curfew imposed by the government and Phnom Penh Municipal Administration.

Municipal police spokesman San Sokseyha told The Post on May 16 that people were detained in two phases. In phase one, the government locked down Phnom Penh from April 15 to May 6 banning travel from 8pm to 5am. During phase two, the municipal administration extended the curfew until May 15.

“For one month, 1,940 people were apprehended – 11 were imprisoned; three were sent the court; 1,298 were reprimanded; 291 were sent to quarantine centres; four were treated for Covid-19; and 333 were fined,” he said.

He added that the punishment depended on their reasons for the breach. Police had reprimanded most people, except for serious offences which were referred to court.

“We have seen people travel to provinces and pass Covid-19 on to others. That offence carries a harsh punishment and must be referred to court. Bursting through police barriers, assaulting police and cutting off police cordons also carries a penalty,” he said.

Sokseyha continued that police patrolled red, orange and yellow zones in all districts, especially to enforce the night-time curfew. Patrols were for the safety and security of the people, he said.