COVID-19 PANDEMIC: Cambodia reports 26 new C-19 cases from multiple flights

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“The 2019 Plague” Day 236

The Ministry of Health yesterday reported that 26 more Cambodians tested positive for COVID-19 bringing the total number of cases to 197.

The statement from the ministry also said four patients had recovered from the virus, raising the recovery rate to 140.

“Twenty-six male Cambodians, including 20 from Russia, five from Egypt and one from South Korea arrived at the Phnom Penh International Airport and tested positive on July 19,” the statement said.

“The group is aged between 25 and 65, with 14 of the group originally from Phnom Penh, three from Banteay Meanchey, two from Siem Reap, two from Svay Rieng, with the remaining five from Oddar Meanchey, Preah Sihanouk, Battambang, Tbong Khmum and Kampong Cham provinces.”

All of the patients are receiving treatment at the Chak Angre Krom Health Centre.

The statement said all the passengers who were onboard the flights have been required to undergo quarantine.

The 119 passengers who flew in from Egypt and Russia via a connecting flight in Malaysia will continue their quarantine at the Hun Sen Borey 100 Khnang High School while the 109 passengers who flew in on the South Korean flight will continue their quarantine at the Royal Air Force quarantine centre. Another 89 passengers have been quarantined in designated hotels in the capital, the statement added.

Regarding the four recoveries, the statement said three Cambodian men aged 26, 27, and 28 from Tboung Khmum province had recovered after testing positive upon returning from Saudi Arabia via Malaysia.

Also, a 25-year-old man from Preah Sihanouk who returned from Indonesia has fully recovered.

At present, Cambodia has 57 active cases and zero deaths.

Speaking during a visit in Takeo province, Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday reminded people to protect themselves against the disease and continue practising good hygiene.

Ministry of Health spokeswoman Or Vandine, meanwhile, said the ministry is yet to consider requesting flight delays or cancellations.

“We will continue to work in accordance with the decisions and instructions of the head of the government. We will continue to help the Cambodian people who have been stuck abroad but also
be vigilant in protecting ourselves and the nation from COVID-19,” she said.

“I ask all citizens to implement protection measures and prevent transmission in our community,” she added.