Mask requirements have been waived for travel destinations and tourism-oriented business establishments in the provinces of Ratanakkiri, Mondulkiri, Stung Treng and Preah Vihear.
This is according to Notification No 145 and Circular No 004, both dated April 12 and issued by the Ministry of Tourism.
The documents have made mask-wearing optional in the four provinces, but call on visitors to exercise a high sense of responsibility and take measures deemed to be efficient against the transmission of the novel coronavirus. It also stressed that mask restrictions still apply elsewhere in the country.
In particular, Preah Sihanouk province, a highly popular tourist destination during the Khmer New Year, is not included in the waiver, underscores deputy governor Long Dimanche.
He told The Post on April 13 that the standard Covid rules will be “strictly enforced” in the coastal province, including the tourism and health ministries’ Minimum Standard Operating Procedures and other pertinent guidelines.
“We’re still calling on everyone to remain vigilant, wear face masks regularly, try to keep social distancing, even though this year Preah Sihanouk will allow concerts and other popular games.”
According to the deputy governor, as of April 13, all major hotels, guesthouses, and resorts on the islands have been fully booked. He said that tourists are gradually making their way there, and that provincial authorities are on standby to maintain order and enforce health measures.
