Prime Minister Hun Sen has permitted fifth-dose Covid-19 vaccinations for priority groups from June 9 onwards, with the dose interval set at a minimum of three months.

The priority groups include diplomats, journalists and artists.

The premier announced his decision in a special audio address to the nation on the evening of May 20, just hours before his departure for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The decision came as Cambodia recorded zero new Covid-19 cases for two weeks.

According to the premier, Cambodia has detected no new Covid-19 cases for 14 consecutive days, with the latest update expected to be announced by the Ministry of Health on May 21. Hun Sen also noted that as of May 20, only eight Covid-19 patients remained hospitalised in the country -- four in Phnom Penh and the others in Battambang province.

Hun Sen said most of the remaining patients were those who had other serious medical conditions aside from Covid-19

“This afternoon [May 20], I decided to grant the request of Or Vandine, the head of the national Covid-19 vaccination committee, to start administering the fifth booster shot from June 9 onwards.

"This applies only to those who have already received their fourth dose at least three months [prior to June 9],” he said.

Hun Sen also renewed his call for the public to maintain vigilance to prevent recurrence as the pandemic is not over yet.