Banteay Meanchey: Banteay Meanchey has become the latest province in the country to declare red zones. It’s the second province to introduce red zones, after Prime Minister Hun Sen announced last week that provincial and capital administrations now had control over their own Covid-19 preventative measures. At the same time, the number of Delta cases continues to spread in Phnom Penh.

No fewer than 43 cases of the Delta variant have been detected in Prek Pnov’s Andong Village in the commune of Kork RoKar. Given that these are Delta cases, the area is in lockdown for the next 21 days. The 43 cases are in addition to the 238 delta cases confirmed in the capital, taking the number to at least 281 – the highest in the kingdom. Although no red zones, Phnom Penh still has restrictions in place, which are due to expire on Thursday. These include the closure of high-risk businesses, a ban on alcohol sales as well as on gatherings of more than 15 people.

After Phnom Penh, it is the border provinces of Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey that have the highest number of Delta cases. On Tuesday, Banteay Meanchey declared two new red zones. These are the communes of Teuk Thla and Kampong Svay in Serey Sophorn City. It has also closed Chakrei Market in the district of Preah Net Preah. Residents in red zones are not allowed to leave their homes at all without permission from authorities. Areas are also heavily guarded. Last Friday, Preah Vihear declared Choam Ksant district a red zone for 14 days.