The Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration has instructed all business owners to push their staff to get vaccinated against Covid-19 within one month effective October 21. It warned of business suspension if their unvaccinated staff contract Covid-19 and spread it on their compound.

The directive dated October 21 stated that owners of businesses such as factories, enterprises, handicraft shops, hotels, casinos, guesthouses, banks, supermarkets and restaurants have to urge their staff to get the jabs while the vaccination campaign is underway in a bid to achieve herd immunity.

It said vaccination for people aged 6 and over in the province had reached a high percentage. This high vaccination rate coupled with good enforcement of Covid-19 preventive measures are the government's key strategy in fully reopening society and the economy.

The directive said those who have not been vaccinated can get the jabs within one month from October 21 at Techo Sen Kamakor Primary and Secondary School in Sihanoukville's Commune IV.

“When this one-month deadline is over, business owners must ensure that their staff are fully vaccinated. In case any staffer or worker remains unvaccinated, the owner will be required to suspend operations in order for their staff to get fully vaccinated,” it said.

Business owners must also require new recruits to get the jabs. Those who have not been fully vaccinated must not be offered the job or employment contract.

“Any business whose unvaccinated staff get Covid-19 and spread it on the compound will be suspended and turned into a quarantine site,” it said.