Cambodian border provinces tightening up as Omicron hits Thailand

Hanoi (VNA) - Amid fears of large-scale transmission of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, Cambodian border province authorities are looking at the possibility of implementing strict measures for crossing migrant workers, including implementing mandatory quarantine and PCR testing.

These measures are the result of what was learnt dealing with the Delta variant, which appeared to enter Cambodia via migrant workers, Khmer Times said.  

Cambodia’s neighbour Thailand reported that it has detected 514 cases of Omicron – with at least 147 designated as ‘local’ cases.

Most worrying are two separate outbreaks from the district of Kap Choeng in Thailand’s Surin province, which directly borders Cambodia and is the site of the O’ Smach International checkpoint in Oddar Meanchey province of Cambodia.

Oddar Meanchey provincial governor Pen Kosal said the province is looking at introducing stronger rules for those returning from Thailand.

Ministry of Health spokesman Hok Kimcheng said that the 34 cases of Omicron confirmed in Cambodia were all detected in air passengers.

“Testing happens in three stages. A rapid test on arrival is carried out. PCR tests are only given to those who return a positive rapid test, and results take two to three days. Once we have a positive PCR result, a sample is sent to determine the variant,” he said.

“The ones who were on the same flights as Omicron patients or other variants of COVID-19 are not required to undergo quarantine if they return a negative rapid test. If they display symptoms, they should seek medical assistance,” he added./.