Ministry of Health spokeswoman Or Vandine on May 29 warned that the Covid-19 situation in Cambodia remained serious, if not critical, with no definite end in sight despite relatively lower cases and the recent lifting of lockdown and curfew.

“The Covid-19 situation in our country remains at a stage where we all have to take the utmost care and precaution. The novel coronavirus is still circulating every day [especially] in Phnom Penh, although the situation has generally improved leading to the lifting of lockdown,” she said.

Vandine noted that the total number of infections and deaths so far this month – at 15,040 and 107 respectively as of May 29 – is higher than the whole of April, when 11,313 infections and 82 fatalities were recorded.

In March, 1,658 infections and 14 deaths were recorded. The ministry logged the country’s first Covid-19 fatality on March 11.

“This proves that the spread of the virus is still severe and actually shows no sign of subsiding. The situation is worrying so we all have to continue adhering to preventive measures,” she said.

The government first imposed a lockdown in Phnom Penh and adjacent Takhmao town in Kandal province on April 15 before eventually lifting it on May 6 after the community outbreak eased. The nighttime curfew ended on May 22.