Phnom Penh: Restaurant managers in Phnom Penh say they’re pleased they’ve been allowed to reopen for table service, but are still concerned about the further spread of the Delta variant in the capital. The Phnom Penh Capital Administration announced on Tuesday afternoon that all restaurants in the city could welcome customers inside again, as long as they follow the Covid-19 safety measures. They must also close in good time for the 9pm curfew and not serve alcohol. The reopening of restaurants comes despite the fact that the Delta variant is slowly spreading in the city.

Restaurant owners and staff say while they’re anxious about the Delta variant, they’re just happy they’re back in business and can worry less about unemployment or even bankruptcy. EAC News spoke to 34-year-old General Manger of 103 Café, Meoun Dalin, who says, “As a manager, I am pleased with the reopening of restaurants. As you know, all businesses need customers to survive. On top of that, the reopening can also sustain the employment of our staffs, which benefits them financially.” She told us she’ll make sure staff and customers are all adhering to the Covid-19 preventative measures.”We are surely worried about the Delta variant because it spreads even more wildly than the original coronavirus. Therefore, we must follow the safety regulations to in order to better contain the spread.”

Across town, the General Manger of Sovanphum Restaurant, Chheum Sikri, expressed similar sentiments. “The employees and myself are very happy about the decision to reopen. We are all very worried about the Delta variant, and we must follow the Covid-19 safety measures in accordance to the Health Ministry.”

While restaurants have been allowed to resume table service in Phnom Penh, the ban on dining-in has not been lifted in other parts of the country.