WHO representative to Cambodia Li Ailan. Hong Menea
The World Health Organisation (WHO) in Cambodia says all hope is not lost for Cambodia in its fight against Covid-19, though the figures globally – including in Cambodia – paint a grim picture for now.
WHO said Cambodia can still beat the virus as long as all Cambodians act as one nation and one society all committed to fighting Covid-19 in solidarity.
Cambodia has seen a significant increase in cases over the past two weeks, with the number of new cases per day ranging from 157 to 655.
In total, 22 provinces have now recorded Covid-19 cases and the total number of cases stands at 9,975 with 74 deaths as of April 25.
WHO representative to Cambodia Li Ailan said it is never too late to turn things around and stop the outbreak from doing further harm.
“We know that it is never too late to turn the outbreak around – all hope is not lost, as long as Cambodia acts as one. One nation and one society – all committed to fighting Covid-19 in solidarity. The global evidence to date shows there are at least three essential elements to address the pandemic effectively.
“When all these elements come together, it can turn the tide and slow infections. We have seen strong leadership in Cambodia already with difficult decisions made and decisive actions taken.
“But this alone is not enough. It is working together – in solidarity – across the public and private sectors, including the efforts of every individual. That is the key to success in the struggle against Covid-19,” said Ailan.
Covid-19 is a health crisis, but also a socio-economic crisis. The response to Covid-19 must go beyond just a health response to protect the economic future of Cambodia. If we do not control this outbreak, there will be disastrous health consequences – followed by devastating economic impacts.
“The current outbreaks in factories and markets serve as a painful reminder of the importance of investing in mitigation measures before cases occur, in order to help prevent the virus from spreading,” she said.
In addition to these three measures, WHO also recommends that factory owners and managers take steps to reduce the risk of infections such as arranging for temperature screenings, rearranging workstations to allow physical distancing and ensuring adequate hand washing facilities as well as taking breaks in staggered shifts in order to avoid crowding workers together.
Factory owners and managers can play a critical role in responding to outbreaks by containing them quickly and conducting contact tracing to help isolate the suspected cases and reduce the spread of the virus.
Factory workers also have a role in reducing the risk of infections by staying home if they are sick and by avoiding crowds, confined spaces and close contacts with other people, whenever possible.
Mask wearing, frequent hand washing and maintaining physical distance all remain important as well and it is the combination of measures by industry and the actions of individual that have the collective power to stop the spread of Covid-19.
“Similar steps can be taken by all parts of the private sector to reduce the risks of infection. Covid-19 has highlighted that investments in safe and healthy workplaces are part of a country’s economic development infrastructure and that they proactively protect the economy,” she said.
Under the current circumstances, the WHO expects that Cambodia’s collective health will depend on individual behaviours more than ever before. The small everyday decisions that are individually made like where to go shopping or when to go to work all seem harmless and inconsequential.
However, when they are multiplied and spread out across an entire country then it is the sum of these decisions that can dictate a country’s success or failure in controlling the virus.
