In a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19, the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration has decided to extend the suspension of all occupations and business activities deemed as posing high risk of transmission for 14 days effective at the onset of June 20 through July 3.

This comes as Cambodia continues to grapple with the pandemic. On June 18-19 alone, the Ministry of Health reported 1,270 transmission cases, 142 of which were imported, and 34 deaths.

In a directive issued on June 19, Phnom Penh governor Khuong Sreng said this urgent measure is intended to curb the spread of the virus.

Businesses and occupations deemed as posting high risks include entertainment clubs, KTVs, nightclubs, discotheques, beer gardens, casinos, resorts, museum, parks, massage parlours, cinemas and sport centres.

Public and private educational institutions must also be suspended but are allowed to transition online. Some other businesses might also be suspended depending on the actual situation, the directive said.

All gatherings with more than 15 people are also banned, except among family members in the same home, at funerals permitted by the authorities, or among health workers who collect specimens for Covid-19 testing, and providers of emergency services.

Businesses not deemed as posing high risks as stated in the directive can proceed as usual but must strictly follow preventive measures and require staff to scan the ‘Stop Covid’ QR Code.

“Any individuals and establishments caught violating the directive are subject to administrative measures and legal action and public revelation of their identities,” the directive said.