The Siem Reap Provincial Court has charged and remanded in custody six shop owners and store managers for violating Covid-19 preventative measures and transmitting the coronavirus.

Investigating Judge Sovann Chankrisna issued separate detention warrants on July 24 and 25 for the six on charge of “non-compliance with administrative measures that caused the transmission of Covid-19 to others” under articles 10, 2 and 3 of the Covid-19 law.

The law states that anybody causing transmission of Covid-19 to others faces imprisonment from two to five years and a fine of between two and 10 million riel ($500 and $2,500), while anyone who causes serious harm to public health faces two to five years in prison and a fine of between five and 20 million riel.

The arrests followed community outbreaks early last month in Siem Reap town and other districts including Chi Kraeng and Sotr Nikum. Authorities investigating the incident traced the source of transmissions to Chi Kraeng district, leading to the arrests.

Separately, provincial governor Tea Seiha has extended Covid-19 restrictions and night-time curfew for another two weeks through August 7.

During this period, gatherings for drinks are banned and entertainment businesses are suspended.

“We call on all business owners to cooperate with the authorities at all levels to eradicate Covid-19 from the community in order for our socio-economic situation to return to normal,” it said.

Seiha said the suspension of all traffics, gatherings, occupations and non-essential businesses between 10pm and 4am is intended to prevent the spread of Covid-19.