PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has lifted its face mask mandate for public outdoor spaces effective immediately as Covid-19 cases reached a record low on April 25.
Prime Minister Hun Sen made the announcement yesterday after a meeting of the Inter-ministerial Committee to Combat Covid-19 the previous day that evaluated the current Covid-19 situation in the country.
According to a Phnom Penh Post report, mask wearing is now optional in public outdoor spaces across the country, but remains mandatory in indoor areas where there is air conditioning.
This includes places such as meeting rooms and cinemas.
"At public places, parks, and resorts which do not have doors, you can decide… whether or not to wear a mask. For other places – such as where it is crowded and where there are suspected cases of Covid-19 – the government still recommends that people wear masks, although it is not mandatory," the premier said.
He said places that are required to follow standard operating procedures set out by ministries – such as restaurants or other enclosed spaces – must still follow those rules.
"I hope that our people can now release themselves from hardship and expenses. Now we will take vaccines to replace mask wearing.
"To ensure our continued resilience in light of the mask mandate withdrawal and to avoid future transmission, I appeal to everyone to get their third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine," Hun Sen said.
The premier said the public should regard taking the booster shot as a "moral duty" to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and that it is to be sought on a voluntary basis, and no punishment or fine will be applied for failure to do so.
It has been estimated that around six million people have yet to receive their booster shots.
He also revealed that the government was considering a fifth dose to frontline workers and officials to increase their protection against the virus.
Hun Sen encouraged the public to take rapid tests when they are exposed to the virus or suspect themselves to be infected, and to seek treatment when they have tested positive.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Health spokeswoman Or Vandine called on provincial and municipal health departments nationwide to be ready to respond in a timely manner to the possible recurrence of a dangerous strain of the virus.
Vandine, who is also the head of the national Covid-19 vaccination Committee, said demand for both the medication to treat Covid-19 and rapid test kits has been decreasing among Cambodians after the rate of Covid-19 infections tapered off.
She also urged the public not to let their guard down, warning that another increase of infection rates would lead to stocks of medication and test kits plummeting again.