Siem Reap: Authorities are working hard to relieve food shortages in Siem Reap’s red zones. Sala Kamroeuk commune chief, Saam Lorn, says the situation in his commune is getting better by the day and he hopes the trend will continue. He’s been quoted as saying, “more than 500 out of the 1,070 families have received emergency packages at least once to help them during the lockdown. Food has been distributed twice to 127 families by the provincial administration to those who hold ID Poor cards. Those who are not ID Poor cardholders, but are unable to work or have lost their jobs are able to request the authorities for donations to help them out.”

Siem Reap declared its first new red zones two weeks ago and more were declared late last week. Those in red zones are not permitted to leave their homes unless in emergency cases or to undergo Covid-19 tests or have vaccinations.

Siem Reap has been severely hit by the pandemic as it relies so heavily on tourism. Some residents have lost up to 90% of their income over the past 18 months.