Phnom Penh: The Minister of Health, who is also chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Commission for Combating Covid-19, is urging a national effort to prevent the spread of the highly-infectious Delta variant into the community. Mr. Mam Bunheng has instructed all 25 of the country’s Capital-Provincial Governors to educate, train and inform people about the dangers the new variant poses to a country already dealing with the fallout of the 20 February Community Transmission Event. He says a third wave would be “a major disaster” for the kingdom’s healthcare system.

The Prime Minister has already signed off on a “Six-Point Strategic Implementation Campaign” to prevent a third wave. The Health Minister says the detection of Delta variant cases at the border, require “the greatest effort to cut off the transmission line”. Mr. Mam Bunheng says individuals, families, communities, institutions and the private sector must all play their part in reducing the spread of Covid-19, most especially paying more attention to the adherence to safety measures, especially the "3 Do’s and 3 Don’t’s”. He says learning to live with Covid-19 in the so-called “new normal” is the country’s most important strategic action.

All Capital-Provincial Governors have now been instructed to increase public awareness about Covid-19, via every possible channel and platform. They must also ensure that businesses, especially restaurants, markets, supermarkets and banks pay more attention to the implementation of health measures. Those that do not, must be closed. The Health Minister also wants every village, commune and district to monitor the implementation of social distancing of at least 1.5 metres in public places and make sure the ban on gatherings of more than 15 people is strictly enforced.