Cambodia sees COVID-19 daily caseload dropping to lowest since April

Phnom Penh (VNA) – After seven days of daily new case figures exceeding 800, Cambodia saw a dramatic drop in new cases on October 1 with the lowest daily count since April.

The Cambodian Ministry of Health reported 232 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, raising the total caseload to 112,883. It also confirmed 17 new deaths on the day, raising the country's total number of fatalities to 2,336.

For the first time, new cases had the note ‘Result from PCR’ under the government supplied figures – possibly indicating a new way of measuring new cases.

On September 30, the Cambodian province of Siem Reap ended it’s “Red Zones,” followed by Oddar Meanchey the next day.

However, Siem Reap authorities have threatened to resume lockdowns and red zones if citizens do not observe safety guidelines.

In fear that the Pchum Benh festivities next week may prompt an escalation of already rising coronavirus infections, the Ministry of Health has issued a warning ahead of the imminent festivities that any laxity in strict adherence to preventive measures may result in losing the impetus gained so far in managing outbreaks.

A Health Ministry spokesperson urged people visiting family members to stay at home, while those visiting tourist sites should go with just family members instead of travelling with many other people in one vehicle.

Yuok Sambath, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Health, has affirmed that Cambodia has enough COVID-19 vaccines to provide for people as booster doses.

The ongoing success of the vaccination campaign has prompted hopes that Cambodia may ease COVID-19 restrictions ahead of reopening./.