Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on April 7 that he has decided to cancel the Khmer New Year celebrations scheduled for April 13-16 in a bid to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Illustrative image (Photo: Khmer Times)

Speaking at a press conference, Hun Sen said State institutions and private firms should continue to work as usual, noting that the cancelled five-day holidays will be offset when the Covid-19 is over.

“The government wants to reduce the travelling of people to prevent the spread of infection from one place to another. This m,easure is to prevent the people from contracting the virus,” he was quoted by a local newspaper.

The same day, Tourism Minister Thong Khon said as from April 7, Cambodia will temporarily close all massage parlors and health spas across the country.

Earlier this month, the country ordered the temporary closures of all schools, karaoke clubs, cinemas and museums nationwide. All religious gatherings at public areas were also banned.

The Southeast Asian country has so far recorded a total of 115 Covid-19 cases, with 58 patients cured.

Source: VNA