Amidst a rising number of Covid-19 cases, Siem Reap Province has announced an indefinite ban on the sale of alcohol, as well as gatherings, effective from Wednesday. Unlike similar booze bans in Phnom Penh, Kampot and Kep, Siem Reap has not announced an end-date for the ban, saying only that it is in effect “until the next decision”.

The Provincial Administration released a statement on Wednesday afternoon ordering all companies, distributors, hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, markets and supermarkets to temporarily suspend the same of alcohol. It has also banned gatherings for “drinking and playing loudspeakers, singing and dancing”. Those who violate the ban can expect legal action to be taken.

Wednesday’s announcement comes as Siem Reap battles a surge in cases linked to the 20 February Community Transmission Event. 12 cases were added to its list on Tuesday, taking the province’s total case load to 506. Three people have died of Covid-19 in the province.

In recent weeks, red zones have been declared in some parts of Siem Reap, but its markets have been allowed to reopen, although police started fining people last week for not wearing masks or maintaining a safe social distance.