The municipal and provincial administrations throughout Cambodia have issued new guidance to limit gatherings in order to prevent the spread of the highly infectious Omicron strain of Covid-19.

Kampong Speu provincial governor Vei Samnang instructed his officials to make the announcement to reduce gatherings centred around the consumption of alcohol and other forms of entertainment to curb the community spread of the virus.

Provincial authorities were to notify locals to be cautious and follow measures issued by the Ministry of Health – also known as the ‘three do’s and three don’ts’.

Takeo provincial governor Ouch Phea said his administration has also stepped up the implementation of health measures in the province, in response to what his team has observed as increasing negligence within the community in adhering to health measures such as mask wearing and hand sanitising.

“We have seen that some people seemed to be neglecting to follow health safety measures, especially by not practising the three do’s and three don’ts.

“It could be a risk factor for another outbreak of Covid-19 in community, especially given the highly infectious nature of Omicron,” he warned.

He urged district and town administrations to speed up the administration of Covid-19 vaccinations on a larger scale, including a standard two-dose regimen and booster shot as soon as possible to ensure strong immunity within the community.

Phnom Penh municipal governor Khuong Sreng also issued new measures limiting the number of people at weddings and festivals, along with reinstituting social distancing rules.

Last week, Prime Minister Hun Sen instructed that authorities around the Kingdom implement measures to increase adherence to health safety protocols locally, especially in mask wearing, hand washing, maintaining social distancing and limiting of gatherings.