• Society

Health Officials Urge Cool Months COVID-19 Caution

• By Teng Yalirozy
• December 19, 2022 3:30 PM

PHNOM PENH – The Ministry of Health has called on the public to remain vigilant about COVID-19 during the coolest months as Cambodia is still detecting cases.

“The coronavirus has not gone anywhere, especially the Omicron variant,” the ministry said. “To prevent the serious emergence of the outbreak in our community, the ministry appeals to the citizens to take part in curbing the spread of the virus.”

As of Dec. 18, Cambodia had found 32 new cases, bringing the total cases to 138,419. The disease has claimed 3,056 lives while 135,224 have recovered. Of the total cases, 16,599 are Omicron variants.

During the winter months between December and January, common diseases, such as respiratory-allergic disease, flu and gastritis caused by viruses, are seen. The elderly and children, thus, must be specially taken care of.

The ministry advised people to travel only when they were in good health. Travel should be postponed for at least 24 hours if there is any sign of health discomfort.

Older people are prone to disease during the cold season, which could cause deaths, especially among those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease.  Enough clothing and food should be supplied.

Yem Sotheavik, a fourth-year student at one university in Phnom Penh, said COVID-19 does not give her anxiety like when Cambodia began to be affected by the coronavirus. She said, however, she still remains cautious whenever she meets with people.

Also a business owner, Sotheavik said she always masks and sprays hand sanitizers when she meets her customers as people nowadays do not regularly wear protective masks and health measures.

Yet, she said she is not too concerned with the virus as the cases in Cambodia have reduced and the number of vaccinated people increased.

“I always wear masks and keep distancing,” said Sotheavik. “However, I am not concerned as much as I used to be.”

Asked what she would do if Cambodia found many cases again, she said she would adhere to the measures established by the Ministry of Health and continue to live normally.

As of Dec. 18, more than 15 million people have been vaccinated, which is 95 percent of the 16 million population.

A total of 14.6 million people have received the second dose, while 10.4 million have had the third, 4.7 million have received the fourth and 1.1 million people have had the fifth.