PHNOM PENH, Apr 27 (NNN-AKP) – The World Health Organisation (WHO) in Cambodia, said, hope is not lost for Cambodia, in the fight against COVID-19, although the figures globally, including Cambodia, paint a grim picture.
Cambodia saw a sharp increase in cases over the past two weeks, with the number of new cases per day ranging from 157 to 655, WHO said.
In total, 22 provinces recorded COVID-19 cases, and the total number of cases now stands at 10,555, with 79 deaths and 6,892 receiving treatment.
“It is never too late to turn the outbreak around, hope is not lost, as long as Cambodia acts as one. One nation and one society – all committed to fighting COVID-19 in solidarity,” WHO representative to Cambodia, Li Ailan said, in the statement.
COVID-19 is a health crisis, but also a socio-economic crisis, and the response to COVID-19 must go beyond a health response, to protect the economic future of Cambodia, Li said.
“If we do not control this outbreak, there will be disastrous health consequences, followed by devastating economic impacts,” she said.
Li added that, 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.
“The garment industry represents a critical part of the Cambodian economy, and this industry can protect itself and its employees from COVID-19, by urgently and proactively preparing for outbreaks before they occur. Safer factories mean a safer economy,” she said.
She added, factory owners and managers can take steps to reduce the risk of infection, such as temperature screening, rearranging workstations to allow physical distancing, ensuring adequate hand-washing facilities, and having shifts for breaks to avoid crowding.
She added that, 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.
“When each and every part of society – from public to private sectors, and from governments to individuals – works together as one, focusing on controlling the outbreak, the combined impact can be enormous. Everyone, everywhere must play his/her role. The time to act is today to avoid regrets tomorrow,” Li concluded.– NNN-AKP
