The Kandal Provincial Administration has decided to shut Samrong Thom market in Kien Svay district's Samrong Thom commune for 14 days through September 23 to prevent the coronavirus Delta variant spreading.

In a notice dated September 10, governor Kong Sophoan urged those who had been to the market or had been in contact with its security guards, staff, workers and vendors to take Covid-19 tests and quarantine themselves in accordance with the health ministry's guidelines.

Authorities also cordoned off the area in the vicinity , barring all entries and exits with exemptions granted to only medical workers, market management, and officers in charge of ensuring security and public orders.

Sophoan instructed Kien Svay district authorities to regularly inspect the location to ensure compliance.

It was not immediately clear how many people in the area have tested positive for Delta. But on September 8-9, the health ministry confirmed 25 Delta case in the province.