Phnom Penh: With the need to continue expanding the availability of rapid test kits across the country, the Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications has announced that it’s to import rapid test kits from China at just $2 apiece. This is a full $1.70 cheaper than the previous kits imported from South Korea. At the same time, the Ministry of Health has announced, “no home treatment” for those who become infected with the Delta variant.

The Health Ministry says home treatment is not an option for Delta cases, due to the potential severity of the illness and the increased chances of community transmission. Home treatment will be allowed to continue for mild or asymptomatic cases of the Alpha variant. Minister of Health Dr. Mam Bunheng says that authorities in the capital and provinces have been ordered to ensure all Covid-19 patients with the Delta variant should be sent to Covid-19 Medical Centres or other hospitals designated to treat Covid-19 patients.

Regarding the new test kits, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has announced that while the new Chinese test kits are almost half the price as the South Korean ones, their accuracy and reliability are the same. Minister Chea Vandeth says officials have already placed an order with China and that there’ll be no additional charges above the $2 fee.

The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has emphasized that Prime Minister Hun Sen had ordered the import of cheaper test kits, so that the private sector can conduct more frequent rapid testing for staff in order to better contain any possible outbreaks of Covid-19, especially the delta and delta plus variants.