Ministry of Health Confirms No Cases of COVID-19 in Battambang

Or Vandine, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health speaks during a press conference on COVID-19 situation in Phnom Penh.
  • Torn Chanritheara
  • September 15, 2020 4:24 AM

Following reports of flu-like illnesses in a Battambang pagoda, the Ministry of Health has denied that the affected monks have COVID-19.



PHNOM PENH--The Ministry of Health announced late on Monday (Sept.14) that none of the monks at Svaydangkum pagoda in Battambong Province have contracted Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Health authorities carried out a string of COVID-19 tests with the results showing no signs of the virus.



Some 46 monks in the pagoda in Ek Phnom District developed a fever, a cough and runny nose over the last six days. Or Vandine, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, said that half of the monks have since recovered and medical staff took samples from 21 monks to test for COVID-19 on Sept. 14.



“Results show no COVID-19 virus, but flu,” Vandine said in a statement, adding that the health of the sick monks has improved.



Vandine stressed that flu is an infectious disease which needs preventive measures just like COVID-19. However, as she noted, the Health Ministry observed that there are still loopholes in the implementation of health measures during Kan Ben and Pchum Ben festivals.



The Health Ministry reiterated its call on people to remain vigilant against COVID-19, flu and other diseases and to strictly practice good hygiene, clean hands and wear masks when necessary, particularly in crowded place like pagoda. 



According to the statement, if there are many monks or persons who are sick with flu-like symptoms, they must rest inside and in isolation, not attend gatherings in pagodas as it can cause person-to-person transmission.


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