Students show their vaccination cards when entering schools in Phnom Penh. Hong Menea
Phnom Penh municipal governor Khuong Sreng issued a directive on October 17 withdrawing his previous ruling that required all students under the age of 18 to show their vaccination cards when entering schools.
Sreng said this age group does not actively pose a high risk for transmitting the disease or developing serious illness when infected.
“Children under the age of 18 are not required to show their vaccination cards when entering or exiting state and private educational institutions or related facilities such as libraries, bookshops, cafeterias or drink shops located on campuses,” Sreng said in the directive.
However, all parents and guardians or caretakers of children still need to show their vaccination cards upon entry or exit.
Sreng previously issued a directive requiring everyone aged 6 and up to show their vaccination cards when entering educational institutions, markets and other places that have been permitted to reopen.
Although vaccination cards for those under 18 are not required, Sreng said other Covid-19 preventive measures at schools must be maintained, such as wearing masks, taking temperatures, maintaining social distance and scanning the contract tracing “Stop Covid” QR codes.
On October 14, the municipal hall also extended the suspension of all non-essential business activities and occupations deemed as posing a high risk for Covid-19 transmission through October 28.
In his directive, Sreng said the suspended businesses include all entertainment venues such as night clubs, karaoke parlours and cinemas.
The new decision lifted some restrictions, allowing the reopening of museums, resorts, amusement parks, sport centres and massage parlours.
The attendance limit on private gatherings has been revised upwards from a maximum of 15 persons to 50 people.
There will be no attendance limits imposed on gatherings of family members or relatives for religious ceremonies such as funerals.
Ministry of Health spokeswoman Or Vandine said on October 17 that reopening businesses and society should be a carefully managed process.
“Individuals, business owners and local authorities are encouraged to start their preparations and plan how to balance risks and continue the necessary preventive measures to ensure a safe reopening under the ‘new normal’,” she said.
