Phnom Penh municipal police had impounded 165 vehicles and detained 12 people as of April 4 for violating the two-week, 8pm-5am curfew, imposed on April 2 in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Por Sen Chey district governor Hem Darith told The Post on March 5 that authorities had raided and closed a massage parlour in Chaom Chao commune’s Trapeang Thleung Bei village and arrested the 12 curfew violators.
He said the 12 had been sent to the district police headquarters for questioning and further legal procedures.
“Medical workers will take samples from them for Covid-19 testing and then they will be sent to the Prek Pnov quarantine centre on the outskirts of the capital.
“After 14 days of quarantine and if they test negative for Covid-19, they will be sent to court,” he said.
But Darith noted that only the people who have used the massage services and came into contact with shop owners will be sent to court. The staff will be educated and sent home.
According to Darith, local authorities have instructed shop owners regarding Covid-19 preventive measures, including the curfew, but some ignored the regulations, prompting the temporary closure of their businesses.
Phnom Penh municipal police spokesman San Sok Seiha said that on the night of April 4 alone, authorities confiscated 10 vehicles – six cars and four motorcycles.
Sok Seiha said in case of impoundment, the vehicle owners can contact their relatives to pick them up, but they are advised to inform the authorities beforehand as to who will do so because they could be stopped for breaking the curfew.
“Authorities have made an exception. The owners can make arrangements with authorities for their relatives to pick them up,” he said.
