Battambang and Pailin provincial authorities decided to temporarily close branches of the transport company Virak Buntham Express after a driver tested positive for Covid-19.

In a notice on May 2, Battambang provincial governor Nguon Ratanak decided to shut down three of the company’s branches in Ou Da Leu village of Kamrieng district’s Boeung Raing commune; Phnum Touch village of Phnom Proek district’s Pichr Chenda commune; and Trapeang pralit village in Sampov Loun district’s Santepheap commune.

“The temporary shutdown of these businesses is to prevent the spread of the virus after a driver tested positive on May 2,” said the notice.

He ordered that during the shutdown the branches be cordoned off and the company’s services be suspended. Authorities are tracing people who had direct and indirect contact with the driver so they can be quarantined and tested for the virus.

He also requested passengers who had contact with the driver to to come forward immediately.

Pailin provincial governor Ban Sreymom also temporarily close the transport company’s branches as same driver had transported goods into the province.

“Phanith unloaded goods three days earlier in our province and returned. As an immediate measure, we have suspended the company’s operations so that people who work there can be tested,” she told The Post.

The company has three branches in thee communes – Pailin, Stung Kach and Sala Krao, all in Sala Krao district.

She said that during the shutdown, employees are banned from exiting and entering the province and must undergo a 14-day quarantine.