PHNOM PENH: A senior official at the Ministry of Health confirms that taking the Covid-19 treatment drug, Molnupiravir, without receiving a positive Covid-19 test result can be harmful to health. Secretary of State for the Ministry of Health and Chair of the National Committee for the Covid-19 Vaccine, Or Vandine, confirmed that MOLNATRIS (Molnupiravir 200 mg) is a drug for Covid-19 treatment only, not a prophylactic to prevent catching the virus or receiving a positive test result. She added that taking the medicine without a positive result will likely pose a health risk.

She stated that the Ministry of Health has issued a reminder of the standard procedures to be followed and applied for the care of Covid-19 patients at home, which also outlines how this drug is only intended for those who have already tested positive for Covid-19, not as an alternative to the Covid-19 vaccine. She added that the fear of catching the virus is justified, but the drugs should not be taken contrary to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, because the most effective measures to prevent the virus are to actively implement the recommended measures of the Ministry of Health.

Secretary of State Or Vandine reminds that although people rush to buy Molnupiravir to keep in store, many lack an equal implementation of preventive measures, so the possibility of family illness will still be there at all times. Therefore, she insists that all citizens work together to prevent the further spread of the Covid-19 virus, especially the Omicron variant, because when community transmission is quick and widespread, it will be very difficult to manage.

She further urged all citizens to be more vigilant by continuing to implement the '3 Dos and 3 Don'ts', along with getting vaccinated with both the basic and booster doses. She stressed that everyone must learn to live in the new normal with the presence Covid-19, as the new Omicron variant has already spread rapidly in the community and has contributed to new cases of deaths as well.