The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has now permitted museums, cinemas and concert halls in Phnom Penh to reopen from October 30 onwards if they follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by the ministry and other preventive measures issued by the Ministry of Health.

According to the SOP signed by culture minister Phoeurng Sackona on October 27, all patrons need to show Covid-19 vaccination cards and scan the "Stop Covid" QR Code before entry. Exempted from the requirements are children under the age of six.

All patrons also have to take temperature and wear mask at all times. In case there is a suspicious case, the individual must be isolated and referred to health officials.

All of the establishments have to pay particular attention to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children by minimising gatherings.

Tickets shall be sold online to avoid direct contact. Visitors who opt to buy them at the counter have to keep a distance of at least 1.5m.

The establishments have to make hand sanitiser available to visitors, and the counter as well as entrance and exit must be frequently disinfected.

The sale of snacks and food must be in compliance with hygiene standards and payments shall be made in a way that avoids direct contact between vendors and patrons.

“Only 50 per cent of the total seating capacity of the museums, cinemas, and concert halls shall be made available, and a personal distance of at least 1.5m must be maintained,” the SOP said, noting that only patrons who come in a family of no more than five persons are allowed to sit by each other.

If the play or performance is in sequence, at least a 30-minute interval is required for disinfection.