Covid cases increase in provinces, action taken

THOUGH restrictions have been eased in the capital and across much of the country, the provincial administrations in Koh Kong, Takeo, Svay Rieng and Battambang have continued to implement stricter health measures by closing some villages and extending the closure of their markets.

The Koh Kong Provincial Hall has decided to lock some villages in Sre Ambel district due to it being a Covid-19 hotspot.

Governor Phouthong Mithona has also temporarily restricted entry and exit from Sre Ambel village until further notice to prevent the spread of Covid-19 to other areas.

In an announcement, she said the decision to close these villages came after 23 people had tested positive for Covid19 on May 22 and 23.

Other villages under temporary lockdown orders include Khlong, Veal Cheung, Veal Tbong, Trapeang, Treak, Sarai, and Sala Khmeng.

While pledging to step up its contact tracing efforts, the administration reminded the public that anyone who has had direct or indirect contact with Covid-19 positive persons need to be tested.

It noted that the transport of goods and other vendor business activities at Sre Ambel market can continue as usual but with the strict implementation of Covid-19 preventive measures.

Separately, Takeo provincial governor Ouch Phea has extended the suspension of all business activities at Yeay Trop Market at Thmey village in Samrong district’s Rovieng commune for another week beginning May 24.

Over in Svay Rieng, provincial governor Men Vibol has temporarily banned all gatherings in Bavet district and also decided to temporarily shut down Chi Phu Market in Kork Lveang village in Bavet town’s Prey Angkunh commune.

Vibol has also temporarily shut down the New World Casino and Good Luck Casino located in Bavet town’s Bavet Kandal village.

In Battambang province, governor Nguon Rattanak on May 24 closed the communicable disease building of Yikuok Clinic in Battambang town’s Wat Kor commune and village until further notice.

The temporary closure came after a 25-year-old from Banteay Meanchey province’s Poipet town tested positive for Covid-19 on May 22 when he was admitted to the Clinic.

“Yikuok Clinic must be cordoned off. All entry and exit from the building has been suspended for both staff and patients there. They are not allowed to leave the lockdown area,” said the announcement.