The government has ordered people to stay home except for essential travel and instructed the authorities to take stringent punitive action, including impounding vehicles of lockdown violators, in a revised lockdown order signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen on April 18.

Travel will only be allowed with a permit issued by the Executive Committee to Manage and Lead the implementation of the Lockdown, accompanied with a certificate of employment provided by the workplace indicating name, position and type of business.

The committee will establish the procedure for the request and issuance of the permits, according to the order.

Travel to markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, or to obtain basic necessities will be permitted thrice per week per household – with no more than two people at a time – within their district or area of residence. Everyone must present their national identification card or other form of ID.

In addition to proof of identity and an employment certificate, journalists must carry travel permits issued by the Ministry of Information. Media entities are asked to minimise staff numbers on site.

Travel to seek medical attention is exempt from these restrictions and is limited to no more than four people in each case.

Public institutions must also reduce the number of workers to no more than two per cent and ensure they have lunch in the workplace.