Prime Minister Hun Sen has called on relevant authorities, individual donors and the Red Cross to take care of the homeless whose situation has left them vulnerable to increased risk for diseases like Covid-19 as well as greater challenges related to climate change.

In an audio message on November 18, Hun Sen requested that the chief monks at Cambodia’s pagodas take care of nuns, the clergy and the elderly who seek asylum with them.

“Please take care to help the elderly, give them blankets to keep warm at night and mosquito nets. Help them through these difficult times. And elderly monks should be sure to take care of their own health during the upcoming cold season,” he said.

Hun Sen added that despite a significant drop in the number of deaths due to Covid-19 it still remained a problem and was far from over. He also noted that according to scientific studies the transmission of infectious diseases increases during the cold season because people spend more time indoors together.

“Families with grandparents or older parents – please take special care of them. Provide them with mosquito nets and blankets. We shouldn’t underestimate what might happen and we have to take the necessary steps to prepare in advance,” he said.

Hun Sen added that the cold season could easily lead to the increased transmission of Covid-19, so he called on all people to take care of themselves and protect their health in the coming months.

Hun Sen also asked that people travelling during the Water Festival be mindful of safety and maintain the three dos and three don’ts Covid-19 protective measures.