Two More Markets in Phnom Penh Closed due to COVID-19 Outbreaks

A photo shows Boeung Trabek Plaza market in Chamkar Mon District.
  • Phoung Vantha
  • April 19, 2021 3:54 AM

Hundreds of COVID-19 cases have been traced back to markets, but confusion remains as to how many Cambodians will access food as Phnom Penh closes major markets.



PHNOM PENH--Two more markets were temporarily closed for 14 days after authorities found several vendors and security guards had contracted COVID-19.



Health authorities are yet to say how many people have been infected at Boeung Trabek Plaza market in Chamkar Mon District and Tuol Sangke Market in Russey Keo District, but both will be closed from April 19 to May 2 to curb the spread of COVID-19, according to district authorities.



Both district governors have called on traders, vendors, security guards and their families to get tested for COVID-19 and self-isolate at home for 14 days. They also urged anyone who has visited either market recently to get tested.



So far, City Hall has ordered the closure of four major markets including O’Russey Market, Derm Kor Market, Phsar Chas (Old Market) and Neak Meas Market, but many smaller, local markets have also been closed.



According to the Sub-Committee on Research and Monitoring of COVID-19, the markets have become hotspots for the virus, with 413 cases of COVID-19 linked to O’Russey Market alone. Similarly, a further 88 cases have been traced to Derm Kor Market, while another 28 have been linked to Phsar Chas.



As the lockdown in Phnom Penh and Takhmao intensified today, concerns are growing for those unable to access food which has already created tensions among residents who lack money, food and government support.



Some 2.3 million people have been affected by the lockdown as authorities scramble to get the Feb. 20 outbreak under control, but the implementation of the new regulations has been chaotic, leaving many unanswered questions for the cities’ most vulnerable.



Since the pandemic began in early 2020, a total of 6,389 people have contracted the coronavirus in the country. Among them, 3,865 cases remain active while 2,476 people have recovered. The disease has so far officially claimed 43 lives in Cambodia.


Related Articles