Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association

Coronavirus reaches Cambodia as airports, border crossings put on alert

Cambodia as scanners have been installed at the country’s airports. VOD

The first case of a new coronavirus has been confirmed in Cambodia as scanners have been installed at the country’s airports and land borders and the public has been told to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

The virus, thought to have originated in China’s Wuhan city, has infected 2,798 and killed 80 so far, according to the World Health Organization’s situation report from Monday.

At a press conference on Monday evening, Health Minister Mam Bunheng said a Chinese national, Jia Jianhua, 60, had tested positive for the virus on Monday.

He arrived from Wuhan city to Sihanoukville on Thursday alongside three family members, and developed a fever on Saturday. The family members have tested negative for the virus.

“The patient will receive treatment here until he is completely recovered and he will be allowed to go home,” Bunheng said.

On its Facebook page, the Health Ministry said it had set up thermal scanners in the country’s three international airports, and 2,000 health officials are on hand to respond to the virus.

It advised people to wear a mask or a towel, and wash hands immediately after coughing. Sellers of masks should not raise prices, it said.

Banteay Meanchey provincial police chief Ath Khem said the ministry and border police had brought 1 million masks to the Poipet border to provide to visitors, local residents and police officers.

The border also had scanners to test for fevers in visitors, he said.

Preah Sihanouk provincial hall spokesman Kheang Phearum said Sihanoukville’s international airport was testing arrivals for fevers, and the provincial health department had been disseminating health advice to people across the province.

273 views