Phnom Penh, March 14, 2020 –Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has once again called on his compatriots to remain calm regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.
“I’d like to continue to urge all dear compatriots to remain calm and apply permanent hygiene for your own health and that of your family members. This will keep you from all diseases,” said the Premier at the official opening ceremony of the 6th River Festival held in Battambang provincial city this evening.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting the global economy and key supporting sectors, such as services, including tourism, he added.
In early 2020, foreign arrivals to Cambodia decreased by about 30.5 percent, while the Chinese tourists dropped by 40 percent over the same period in 2019, he underlined.
According to the data, the impact on Cambodia’s tourism industry is modest compared to that of neighboring countries. To alleviate the difficulties faced by businessmen, investors, workers and employees in the tourism sector caused by the pandemic, the Royal Government has already taken short-term actions such as tax exemption, promotion of local tourism activities, extend duration for Angkor visits, organisation of short trainings for affected workers, and so on.
The Royal Government will respond to the impacts of COVID-19 with more actions next month, he continued.
Samdech Hun Sen took the opportunity to disseminate widely the truth in order to combat the fake news causing social chaos and insecurity. The Royal Government, mainly the Ministry of Health as a government agency, has been cooperating with international organisations, especially the World Health Organisation, to take strict measures to prevent and get ready for the disease.
“Therefore, please join hands to fight against the pandemic by protecting your own health and that of your family rather than fears that affect your living condition, social welfare and racial harmonisation in the Kingdom of Cambodia,” Samdech Techo Hun Sen stressed.
There are currently seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in Cambodia – a Cambodian man, a Chinese tourist, three British tourists, a Canadian man, and a Belgian man. The Chinese man has been successfully cured and returned to his home countries. There is no sign of community transmission in Cambodia.
COVID-19 is now hitting more than 120 countries and territories around the world.
By Khan Sophirom
