Cambodia virus cases rise, bans imposed

Cambodia has reported 49 new cases of COVID-19, its highest recorded daily tally since the pandemic began.

All but one of the cases were linked to a growing local outbreak that has prompted authorities to introduce new restrictions.

On Monday evening, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen ordered a ban on large gatherings such as weddings.

The Cambodian leader also ordered government ministries to reduce staff working at the office by 90 per cent. He encouraged the private sector to have their employees work from home.

Additionally, he announced changes to the quarantine system. New arrivals entering by land will be sent to their home provinces for quarantine to ease pressure on facilities near the border.

Since the pandemic began, Cambodia has recorded 1060 cases of coronavirus.

More than half of the overall infections are linked to the recent outbreak, which was first detected on February 20 and has spread to several provinces.

Cambodia has yet to report an official death from Covid-19. Last week, however, a Covid-positive Chinese national died at a quarantine centre. Authorities blamed his death on a drug overdose.