Phnom Penh: The Kingdom’s Covid-19 cases continues to show a dramatic decline but the Ministry of Health has again reminded people to stay cautious and prevent the spread of Covid-19 during this year’s Water Festival. Boat races in Phnom Penh, Bon Om Touk festival’s usual main event was cancelled earlier this year due to the pandemic, but many smaller events, ceremonies and gatherings are set to take place outside of the capital.

Minister of Health Mam Bun Heng has reported on Thursday that Covid-19 cases in Cambodia had decreased significantly but the threat was not over yet. The health minister has reminded the public to continue practicing the three dos and three don’ts. He also advised the public to protect their health during Cambodia’s upcoming cold season. He has added that the most common seasonal illnesses during the cold season between December and January every year are respiratory diseases caused by viruses or allergies with symptoms like runny nose, sore throat, coughing and gastrointestinal problems.

The simple measures everyone can practice to take care of themselves and their family members, especially the elderly, babies and children are wearing warmer clothes, scarves, hats and gloves to keep the cold from your body and to maintain normal body heat, the health minister has adviced. He says that babies, children and the elderly are at higher-risk for cold weather-related illnesses.

“Babies lose their body heat faster than adults and the elderly find it difficult to cope with the cold weather. Thus, babies at age less than one year should not sleep in cold rooms. Provide babies with warm clothing and cover them with blankets to try and keep their body temperatures warm, as well as in the baby's room.”

The elderly are at risk because the cold weather can be life-threatening to them if they have chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. The cold weather is a triggering factor. Prevention is always better than cure.