Prime Minister Hun Sen asked all provinces to suspend wedding ceremonies following Covid-19 scares in several locations, while the government issued another sub-decree outlining penalties for violating health measures.
The new sub-decree, which was signed on Friday, sets out penalties for overcrowded shops as well as people not wearing masks according to Health Ministry instructions.
It does not say when and where masks and social distancing are required, but says the ministry can designate occupations, groups and businesses that must comply with health measures. Social distancing is 1.5 meters, it says.
Individuals failing to comply can be fined up to $250, while organizers of events that fail to comply fined up to $1,250. Businesses that do not comply can be fined up to $2,500.
The sub-decree also notes that the new Covid-19 Law — which sets out jail terms for violations of health measures — can also apply to those cases.
The law, which was passed last week, has penalties up to 20 years in jail for intentionally spreading a disease. Business owners who violate the law could see their licenses’ suspended or establishments closed, the law adds.
During a press conference on Monday, Justice Minister Keut Rith defended the law, which has been called “draconian,” saying it was drafted after researching other countries’ legislation and was about “protecting our people’s lives.”
The Health Ministry also announced 20 new cases of Covid-19 on Monday as part of the country’s worst outbreak to date.
In an audio message, Hun Sen requested on Monday that all provinces suspend weddings to prevent the disease’s spread.
“I have seen that some provinces and cities have taken action, including suspending gatherings and weddings, but [I] have seen that some provinces have not taken [action],” Hun Sen said, advising couples getting married to have small ceremonies within the family and hold larger wedding celebrations at a later date.
Hun Sen in particular pointed to a case in Takeo province, where a Phnom Penh man visited a wedding with nearly 900 attendees on Friday before testing positive for Covid-19 on Sunday. He was in direct and indirect contact with about 400 people, according to a statement by the provincial governor, leading to 17 schools in two districts being closed and one village locked down.
Siem Reap and Kampong Cham authorities have revealed similar cases.
Authorities in the provinces of Kampot, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang and Pursat on Monday joined several other provinces in issuing orders suspending weddings and religious celebrations.
Phnom Penh, Kandal, Prey Veng and Preah Sihanouk, which have been the worst hit by the current outbreak, have already announced school closures and other restrictions.
Koh Kong province over the weekend also widened its school closures to the entire province, with about 10 active Covid-19 cases there.
