Phnom Penh: There’s been a collective groan from the owners of high-risk businesses in Phnom Penh. The Capital Administration announced on Wednesday evening that their almost six-month suspension will continue for at least another two weeks. Together with the ban on alcohol sales, and gatherings of more than 15 people, the restrictions have been extended through Wednesday 9 September.

It’s the capital’s number of Delta cases that are keeping officials from lifting the restrictions. Phnom Penh still has the highest number of Delta cases in the country. As of Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Health, 375 Delta variant cases had been detected. Phnom Penh is followed by Banteay Meanchey with a total Delta case number of 230.

It has declared two new red zones this week in an effort to contain the variant. On Thursday morning, Banteay Meanchey Provincial Governor Oum Reatrey distributed relief aid to residents in Serey Sophorn City’s Pong Village. Over 300 families were given packs of food. The governor has encouraged the affected residents to take care of their health during lockdown. He says they must contact authorities if they experience any food shortages over the next three weeks.