The Ratanakkiri provincial authorities are enforcing Covid-19 measures in Banlung town after the more than 30 imported cases it had initially detected spread into the community.

Deputy provivial governor Nhem Sam Oeun told The Post on June 19 that since the pandemic began until June 18, the province recorded 33 cases, all of which were imported from other provinces and Thailand.

In just two days on June 18-19, the virus spread with a total of 61 cluster cases confirmed.

"We have implemented health measures including placing checkpoints on the main roads leading to and out of the province. For inbound travellers, we take their temperatures, check their health and get details from them.

"And if they are from high-risk areas, we take their specimens for Covid-19 testing," he said

To curb the spread, Sam Oeun said the provincial authorities on June 19 called a meeting to discuss measures including possible lockdowns in certain areas.

He noted that the province will start vaccinating residents once it receives vaccines according to the government's rollout plans.

As of June 19, Ratanakkiri had recorded a total of 94 Covid-19 cases – 33 imported and 61 cluster cases with no death.