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On November 26 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the variant B.1.1.529 as a Variant of Concern. The variant has been given the name Omicron.

According to the WHO, as of December16, 2021, the Omicron variant has been identified in 89 countries, one of which is Cambodia.

As of yesterday, India has reported 200 cases of Omicron, Singapore reported 71, Thailand detected 63 cases and Malaysia detected 11 cases.

While Cambodia has detected only four Covid-19 cases with the Omicron variant, neighbouring Thailand will reinstate its mandatory quarantine for foreign visitors and scrapped a quarantine waiver from yesterday, a government spokeswoman said, according to channel news Asia article published yesterday.

The decision to halt Thailand’s “Test and Go” waiver means visitors will have to undergo hotel quarantine ranging between 7 to 10 days.

Meanwhile, the so-called “sandbox” programme, which requires visitors to remain in a specific location but allows them free movement outside of their accommodation, will also be suspended, except for the tourist resort island of Phuket.

“After December 21, there will be no new registrations for ‘Test and Go’, only quarantine or Phuket sandbox,” said deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhanadirek.

These actions have shown the preventive measures for the sake of the country.

The question was raised to Health Ministry by Khmer Times on whether travellers on the same flight as one  detected to have Omicron which lands in Cambodia but have negative rapid test results must quarantine for many days or just test and go.

Ministry spokeswoman Or Vandine replied that the subcommittee is monitoring the case. “Do not worry. If something arises, the ministry will give information,” she said.

World Health Organization representative Dr Li Ailan said that arrival of the Omicron variant in Cambodia remind us that we must continue to use all available tools to be ready to suppress transmission of the virus while we enjoy ourselves in the coming holidays.

“Omicron has been designated a variant of concern because we know there are a high number of mutations. Current information suggests it is more transmissible than other virus variants, including Delta and that vaccines may be less effective in preventing infections by  it, but they are still effective for preventing severe illness,” she said.

“Border controls can delay the virus coming in and buy time, but every country and every community must prepare for new surges in cases, including in the context of Omicron,” she added.