Preah Vihear province has begun its two-week lockdown that will last through August 12 in a bid to stem the coronavirus Delta variant.

In a notice dated July 29, the provincial administration said authorities will designate red, orange and yellow zones depending on transmission risks and will also ban non-essential provincial border crossings.

The authorities also suspend businesses including entertainment venues such as beer gardens and nightclubs, resorts, recreation centres, theme parks, massage parlours, spas, gyms, theatres, museums, sport centres and liquor shops, among others. Gathering is also banned.

Restaurants and smaller eateries are allowed to open but are limited to receiving takeaway orders. Only restaurants and eateries that strictly implement health measures including physical distancing can allow customers to dine inside their venues.

Separately in Kampot province, authorities have shut a market in Kampong Trach I village of Kampong Trach district's Kampong Trach Khang Koet commune for one week through August 5 after residents and vendors there tested positive for Covid-19.