PHNOM PENH, Dec 7 (NNN-AKP) – Cambodian Prime Minister, Samdech Techo Hun Sen, said, Cambodia may declare a state of emergency if the COVID-19 situation deteriorates further.
“I’ve drafted a royal decree and a request for the king to put the country in a state of emergency,” he said, in an audio message posted on his official Facebook page.
“But I don’t want to move forward to such a step because it will bog down Cambodia’s economy, if the country or its parts, such as the capital, Phnom Penh, or any province is locked down,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hun Sen ordered local authorities to close down any businesses that do not properly follow safety measures, saying that, the ongoing outbreak in the capital was due to the neglect of some businesses.
“If any businesses do not comply with the safety measures, the authorities can use the state’s power to shut down their shops temporarily,” he said.
Hun Sen said, it is a must for both sellers and buyers, to wear face masks, to wash hands frequently, and to maintain distance of 1.5 metres between each other.
The prime minister also renewed his call on all people to wear face masks when they are outside their homes.
The move came after Cambodia confirmed the first-ever COVID-19 transmission in the community on Nov 28, and so far, at least 30 Phnom Penh dwellers have been tested positive for the virus.
To stem the virus, the kingdom also closed down schools, museums, cinemas, and arts-performing venues, nationwide, and banned mass gatherings and weddings in Phnom Penh and the north-western Siem Reap province.– NNN-AKP
