Two people linked to the February 20 community incident were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Phnom Penh’s Russey Keo district this afternoon

Cambodians woke up this morning to be literally shell-shocked when new emerged from the Ministry of Health announced that the February 20 Community Event COVID-19 cases has risen drastically to 195 with 58 new cases detected last night.

4 Sihanoukville hotels have been closed by authorities after 2 Chinese guests, linked to the major February 20th Event, tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

The list of  locations in Phnom Penh  linked to February 20 Event has grown again – with cases now spreading to Sihanoukville

Cambodia continued to reel from the disastrous effects of the February 20 Community Event when another 38 COVID-19 positive cases were reported today, along with two imported cases.

The closure was announced this morning by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, adding that it takes effect immediately.

The new infections detected include UK variant (SARS-Cov-2 UK Variant 20l/501Y.V1 and B.1.1.7.

Prime Minister  Hun Sen has re-appealed to those involved with the Feb. 20 Community Event, including taxi and tuk-tuk drivers, to get tested for COVID-19 immediately and be in 14-day quarantine.

“I also appeal to all people in the country to avoid Phnom Penh as the city is in a health crisis and as such it is advisable not to come to the city for any purpose other than emergency needs,” he added.

The Ministry of Education has ordered all public and private schools in Phnom Penh and Kandal province to be temporarily closed over the February 20 Community Incident.

Health officials will work from 8 am to 5 pm to take samples from all the Chinese people involved in the February 20 community event

The Health Ministry has called on taxi and rickshaw drivers who have carried guests at 23 locations where the COVID-19 virus have been detected to have their samples tested at the Olympic Stadium this afternoon.

To date, Cambodia has confirmed 568 cases of COVID-19 with 475 recoveries and no deaths. 

Authorities are scrambling day and night to carry out contact tracing as the number of locations has almost doubled in less than 24 hours.

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has ordered the temporary closure of several schools in and around Phnom Penh.

The move was made in response to the February 20 Community Incident which as of Sunday has seen 47 foreign nationals tested positive for COVID-19.

The COVID-19 cluster on Koh Pich, Phnom Penh – linked to a group of travellers who absconded from quarantine –  has seen 15 new positive cases of COVID-19

Just when Cambodia had managed to contain the drastic increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the country, especially amongst the thousands of returning migrant workers from Thailand, the capital was rocked by rumours last night that a new community outbreak has been detected.

Most of the  32 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours are Chinese nationals but at no time or for any reason should they be discriminated upon.

There are no immediate plans to close schools, events and other receptions as a result of the 3rd community COVID-19 outbreak in the capital.