Phnom Penh and Siem Reap lockdown? I feel a bit like the grinch who stole Christmas right now. Only a few weeks ago did I champion how great things were in Cambodia and how coronavirus had hardly affected us.
You can read said article here
First Covid-19 Community Outbreak
Yesterday many sources announced the first community outbreak of Covid-19 in Cambodia. Initially it involved the closure of one school, and a hotel. As of today (November 30th), all schools have been closed as well as a number of other measures.
Meetings of more than 20 banned
Meetings of more than 20 people have now been banned, as well as wedding parties for 15 days. According to Prime-Minister Hun Sen of the CPP this was at the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO).
He also said people should “try to avoid” going out for 15 days. Emphasis here on try.
Are Phnom Penh and Siem Reap on lockdown?
Again this is where things get a bit fuzzy. There was no announcement of closures to bars, or restaurants, with staying in doors being advice, not law.
It was also suggested that for meetings of 20, or less people that social distancing be practiced. Not exactly an easy feat in the many tiny bars that litter Phnom Penh.
As things currently stand the streets of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are relatively normal, if not slightly quieter than usual. This is in stark contrast to the start of the epidemic when Siem Reap in particular resembled a ghost town.
So, as things stand it is not exactly the end of the world. The measures being suggested are limited and planned to last for 15 days. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap lockdown is therefore a thing for now.
And over the next 15 days we will get to find out just how bad things actually are.