Prime Minister Hun Sen has expressed his appreciation towards the public for continued high levels of outdoor mask wearing, especially in Phnom Penh, despite the government having made it optional since April 26.

Speaking at a Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport meeting the day after the mask mandate was lifted, Hun Sen said that he noted “about 60 per cent” of people on the streets of Phnom Penh were still wearing masks.

“I really appreciate that [some of] those who are travelling on the roads, or even standing on the sidewalk, are still wearing masks. This reflects the fact that our people understand ways to protect themselves,” he said.

Hun Sen explained that the decision to remove the mask mandate was not a trial, but a permanent decision that was arrived at “with confidence.”

“If we want to learn to swim, we must jump into the water, or you will never learn to swim,” he said about the decision.

He emphasised, however, that though the mask mandate has been removed, he would still recommend that people continue wearing it.

Hun Sen also lifted the requirement for social distancing at cinemas and sporting events, such as football matches, following a request from Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona and Sao Sokha, National Military Police Commander and president of the Football Federation of Cambodia.

Health minister Mam Bun Heng advised Covid-19 commissions and authorities to be mindful and ready to strengthen the capabilities of emergency medical response teams so that they can respond rapidly to any “risky situation” related to Covid-19 that may arise.

He specified that this should be done by preparing emergency response teams, medical workers, emergency beds, medical equipment and Covid-19 medicine, as well as Covid antigen rapid test kits.

Bun Heng added that health service providers and the public have to abide by and implement the health and administrative measures still in force. They also have to take a rapid test promptly if they develop symptoms of Covid-19.

“In case one develops fever, cough or other respiratory tract symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, scratchy throat or sore throat, they have to self-isolate… in case of mild disease. They must also report multiple suspected cases that may lead to a Covid-19 outbreak to a health department,” he said.

The minster requested that health departments in the capital and provinces continue to report the number of Covid-19 cases regularly from April 26 until further notice to local Covid-19 committees and the Ministry of Health, which “will provide this data to the sub-commission evaluating plans and strategies to monitor and assess the spread of Covid-19 and community immunity,” he said.

The minister also instructed authorities in the capital and provinces to continue urging residents to get vaccinated.

Hun Sen said that despite the mask mandate being lifted, members of the public would still have to watch closely for possible new infections, and stressed that the requirement may return “if necessary.”

Following Hun Sen’s announcement, Minister of Tourism Thong Khon made tourist-focused clarifications that mask-wearing would be optional in open spaces such as resorts, communities, golf courses and other recreational areas.

However, he said, people are encouraged to continue wearing masks out of “personal responsibility.”

“All national and international tourists need to enforce the mask requirements [where necessary] and continue to adhere to tourism safety and health rules in enclosed and air-conditioned spaces such as meeting halls… exhibitions, entertainment clubs, bars, restaurants and other tourist facilities,” he said.