Two newborns positive for the novel coronavirus have undergone successful surgical operations, Kantha Bopha IV children's hospital in Phnom Penh reported on May 22.

In a Facebook post, the hospital noted that the neonates – aged 14 and 17 days – contracted the virus from their mothers.

The 14-day-old had bowel obstruction due to abnormal peritoneal fibrous bands, further complicated by severe dehydration and kidney failure, it said.

The peritoneum is the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and covers most organs in the abdomen.

The 17-day-old had developed purulent abscesses of the chest wall, the hospital said.

“They underwent successful surgical operations thanks to our dutiful and talented surgical teams led by Dr Hi Pengkaing. All treatments are free for all without discrimination,” it said.