Religious gatherings banned after COVID-19 infection surges

Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday announced a ban on all religious gatherings as COVID-19 infection surges in the Kingdom. The ban came after 17 Cambodian Muslims who recently returned from a religious congregation in Malaysia tested positive for COVID-19.

In a Health Ministry statement issued yesterday, Mr Hun Sen said worshippers from all religions, including Muslim, Buddhism, and Christianity are temporarily prohibited from organising gatherings until the COVID-19 situation ceases. Cults and Religion Ministry spokesman Seng Somony said yesterday ministry officials met with all religious leaders in the Kingdom and instructed them to disseminate precautionary measures to their members.

“The ministry has acknowledged a possible COVID-19 outbreak at religious gatherings at pagodas, churches, or other minority ritual sites,” he said. “Therefore, it’s important to educate them about the preventive measures.” The ministry of Cults and Religion also requested the Health Ministry to provide hand gels and conduct temperature checks for individuals who wish to visit pagodas, churches and other minority religion sites.

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