ANN/PHNOM PENH POST – Cambodian Minister of Health Mam Bun Heng (Phnom Penh Post pic, below) instructed the governors of all provinces bordering Thailand, Laos and Vietnam to give rapid tests to inbound travellers who enter Cambodia via maritime and land borders without exception.
The instruction came following the removal of quarantine requirements for unvaccinated travellers and those who are only partially vaccinated on July 8.
“To reduce the risk of spreading new variants of Covid-19 from abroad via Cambodian migrant workers who return to Cambodia through waterways and on land from Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 with base shots and booster shot, they are required to take the rapid test free of charge,” the minister said.
Bun Heng, who is also the head of inter-ministerial committee combatting Covid-19, said that if they are found to be positive but with mild symptoms they could recover at home for those who have suitable dwellings. Or they have the option of staying at hotels or guesthouses if they can afford to do so during their period of recovery.
“If they have severe symptoms, health authorities must bring them for treatment at a hospital with appropriate care by doctors,” he added.
Cambodia has recently reported cases of the Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5, after the country reported zero new cases for over 50 days.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health yesterday reported 16 new Covid-19 community cases.
The ministry also reported eight more recoveries.
As of yesterday, Cambodia had recorded a total of 136,437 Covid-19 cases with 133,283 recoveries and 3,056 fatalities.
