The government has allocated a further 7,260 million riel ($1.8 million) to 18 provinces for distribution to quarantine centres for the period August 9-22. The funds will assist in providing treatment to many Covid-19 patients, especially migrant workers returning from Thailand.
According to the Ministry of Health, the provinces are Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Pailin, Preah Vihear, Svay Rieng, Prey Veng, Tbong Khmum, Kratie, Takeo, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kep, Kampong Speu, Kampong Thom, Stung Treng, Preah Sihanouk and Siem Reap.
The ministry noted that the funds are allocated to provinces that have more than 18,000 people in quarantine centres.
Kampong Speu provincial governor Vei Samnang told The Post on August 10 that his province has never faced difficulties with the allocated budget. For the next allocation of funds, the province would receive an additional 450 million riel.
He said the Covid-19 situation there is currently under control. The province has recorded 4,000 Covid-19 cases, with 100 still receiving treatment. There has been no case of the coronavirus Delta variant there.
“There are more than 1,000 people in 24 quarantine centres in the province, with over 100 patients under treatment as of August 9,” he said.
Battambang provincial governor Nguon Rattanak said the province will receive 840 million riel and the funds will arrive on August 13.
“The funds are being distributed to workers at quarantine centres. When the additional money is received, it will be used to set up more quarantine centres for migrant workers returning from Thailand,” he said.
He said the province has currently more than 1,300 people in 20 quarantine centres, and more than 1,000 Covid-19 patients are being treated.
Prime Minister Hun Sen on August 6 told provincial authorities to establish more quarantine centres for migrant workers returning from Thailand, especially those at the border.
“We have seen that our people are returning from Thailand to seek medical treatment in their own country. We will also try to facilitate infected people to cross the border for treatment on our territory. In addition, food will be sent to Thailand to help our people there,” he said.
