Phnom Penh municipal governor Khuong Sreng has designated a number of villages and communes in three districts as "Red Zone", where residents are forbidden from leaving their home, just hours after Prime Minister Hun Sen revised lockdown measures for areas at highest risks of Covid-19 transmission.

The new Red Zone areas include Stung Meanchey I, II and III communes in Meanchey district; Choam Chao I commune in Por Senchey district; and villages 14, 16 and 17 in Tuol Kork district's Boeung Salang commune.

In his decision signed on the evening of April 19, Sreng said the designation would enable the authorities to enforce the government's lockdown measure more effectively in a bid to contain the ongoing comunity outbreak, which has seen no sign of abating.

According to the decision, those residing in the Red Zone are barred from leaving or doing any activities including sport and exercise outside their residence, except for medical reasons or other emergencies. That includes a visit to medical workers for Covid-19 testing or vaccination against the disease at a designated site closest to their residence or as permitted by the authorities.

The governor said only essential businesses are allowed to operate in the Red Zone. Markets, restaurants, food stalls, grocery stores and other non-essential businesses are not exempted.

Those caught violating the measures would have their vehicles impounded and are subject to legal action, he warned.