The Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) has decided to lift the mandatory mask wearing at public and open spaces across the country, anyway people can decide whether or not to wear mask at those outdoor settings.
The decision was announced by Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen in a voice message shared this morning.
For indoor settings such as meeting room, cinema and so on, mask wearing is not optional, but a must, said the Premier, adding that the RGC encourages people to wear mask at crowded areas and those with suspected COVID-19 cases.
The mask-off move will contribute to reduce people’s expense by saving it for food, clothes and other target, he explained.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen took the opportunity to urge his compatriots to receive the 3rd dose of COVID-19 vaccines to ensure a strong herd immunity after the removal of mandatory mask wearing. “Even though the 3rd dose is an obligation, it is based on voluntary basis. Neither fine nor administrative measure will be taken against those who choose not to get the 3rd shot,” he emphasised.
The Prime Minister continued that the RGC also encouraged continued rapid tests, and if found positive, be quarantined and treated.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen advised the Ministry of Health to follow closely and to be ready to respond to any possible problems that may arise after the mask lifting.
He also thanked the citizens for their active participation in carrying out the measures taken by government through the Ministry of Health, local authorities and his voice messages, and praised the efforts of all competent authorities, especially the medical team. According to him, there are only two new COVID-19 cases reported today, and the first time ever that Phnom Penh has recorded zero new infection after more than a year.
Besides, Samdech Techo Hun Sen said that the RGC is also considering the administration of 5th dose for frontliners, and the country has enough vaccines in stock to do so.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press