Since the February 20 community outbreak of Covid-19 began, authorities have imposed 14-day large-scale lockdowns in the capital, provincial towns, communes, and villages across the country after many Covid-19 cases were detected there.
The provincial towns under lockdown include Takhmao in Kandal; Poipet in Banteay Meanchey, and Sihanoukville in Preah Sihanouk.
Five communes have been completely shut down, including three communes in Siem Reap province's Siem Reap town; one commune in Svay Rieng province's Bavet town; and one commune in Koh Kong province's Kiri Sakor district, according to announcements made by provincial administrations.
A total of 14 villages were also placed in lockdown, including four in Kampong Cham and two in Takeo Tbong Khmum respectively. Kampong Chhnang, Prey Veng, Mondulkiri, Kampong Speu, Battambang, and Kampong Thom each had one village in lockdown.
Kampong Cham provincial governor Un Chanda said that during the lockdown, authorities have set up patrol teams to distribute food for impoverished families.
“Some villagers have tested positive and passed on the disease to their family. That’s why we imposed a 14-day lockdown. After the lockdown was imposed, we saw the situation improve; no more cases found,” Chanda said.
Takeo provincial governor Ouch Phea said the lockdown was imposed for the authority to track all those who had direct or indirect contact with a Covid 19 positive patient.
“We can only reopen the villages when the situation is better and returns to normal,” Phea said.
