Prime Minister Hun Sen has announced that all Covid-19 preventive measures, including mask wearing and rapid tests at various establishments, are now officially lifted following zero new cases of transmission in recent days, including the Khmer New Year.

He noted in a special audio address to the nation on April 19 that prior to this announcement, attendees at official meetings or those attending hospitals were required to take rapid tests.

“Rapid tests were even planned for the SEA Games, which will kick off in two weeks, but from now on, there is no need to employ rapid test kits and it is no longer necessary for medical personnel to stand by to test participants in the upcoming sporting events,” he said.

“This is not a ban on testing – individuals still can take a rapid test if they suspect they have been exposed to the virus. No healthcare workers need to prepare themselves to administer large numbers of tests,” he added.

The premier acknowledged that those with suspicious symptoms should still follow the existing precautionary measures.

He added that lifting of the measures would curtail unnecessary spending on masks, rapid test kids and the wages of medical personnel. However, he encouraged people to maintain good hygiene practices.

He also advised the Ministry of Health to closely monitor the Covid-19 situation and cooperate with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Cambodia.

“If we continue to require rapid tests prior to entry to SEA Games events, it would create a chaotic situation for our medical personnel and cause serious delays to the admission process,” he said.

He reiterated his warnings not to rest on the laurels of the Kingdom’s successes in the fight against the pandemic, cautioning people that Covid-19 remained a threat, and that caution should still be exercised.

As of April 19, Cambodia had no active Covid cases – the official total still stands at 138,726, with 135,670 recoveries and 3,056 fatalities.

ea