PHNOM PENH: The Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Or Vandine, has stated that she sees the increase in the number of new Omicron cases as a result of the large number of gatherings that took place during the reopening of the country, especially traditional ceremonies and weddings.

She said that after the reopening of the country, many people have gathered for different events and ceremonies and did not wear masks or follow established social distancing policies and health measures.

"We see that there are also a lot of gathering in wedding and other ceremonies. We wear masks and wash our hands, but when we eat, we sit next to each other at a table, around 10 to 12 people. It will cause the possibility of viral spread very fast,” she said.

She continued, "Even though we are currently learning to live with Covid-19, it does not mean that we have forgotten the virus and are living unprotected or without the ‘3 Dos and 3 Don’ts’. The people do not seem to be able to implement these three measures effectively, with most people implementing the three measures well, but some neglecting to do so.”

She urged citizens to actively participate in preventing the transmission of Covid-19, and especially urged all to get vaccinated with the base and booster doses to ensure that everyone can maintain a better quality of life.