PM Hun Sen said yesterday at the Peace Palace, marking the commencement of a vaccination program for children aged five, that his decision to reopen the country was based on four factors.

 

The first factor, he added, is that nearly two million Cambodians received a booster dose of the vaccine. As a result of the vaccination program, the Khmer people have developed a high level of resistance to Covid-19, which is helping to reduce the pandemic's fatality rate.

 

In light of this, Hun Sen advised citizens not to rely solely on the vaccines provided by the government, but to take precautions against the pandemic everywhere and at all times.

 

The second factor is that the government is improving its capabilities to resist the pandemic so that dealing with an epidemic in the country will not be an issue. Furthermore, new treatments for the Covid-19 pandemic are being developed one by one. These drugs are accessible for purchase by both public and private organisations to treat individuals.

The third point is that the government has sufficient expertise in combating the Covid-19, including restricting its spread and implementing large-scale preventive measures.

 

The fourth point is that the majority of Cambodians now have the knowledge and education about the pandemic to defend themselves, as well as to understand how to live with it and treat themselves if they become infected with Covid-19.

 

Hun Many, a CPP senator, said the country's reopening indicates the government's clear accomplishment in combating the Covid-19 outbreak through very effective measures.

 

"I applaud all of our residents and would like to take this occasion to urge all of our citizens to continue to respect the health initiatives made by ministries and authorities, because peaceful life depends on our participation," Many said.

 

According to Seng Sary, an independent social and political researcher, the government's initiative to reopen the country has his backing. He did say, however, that this measure could have arrived two or three months sooner to help the country's economy get back on track.

 

Sin Chanserey Vutha, spokesman for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), said in an interview with Khmer Times for the Cross Talk program last week that reopening the country, particularly its commercial sector, will not be an issue for the Kingdom.

 

Meanwhile, during a meeting with representatives from Dara Sakor Resort Company on Saturday at Dara Sakor Resort in Koh Kong province, Minister of Tourism Thong Khon recommended that the company work to attract more tourists by expanding its services and providing good quality service at an affordable price for domestic tourists.

 

Furthermore, Khon asked Dara Sakor Resort Company to expedite the airport's construction in order to begin domestic and regional flights, particularly with the new Siem Reap airport, which is set to open in January.

 

Credit Source: Khmer Times

 

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Only one problem here..there has been no "full reopening".

 

Mandatory 7 day quarantine for those fully vaccinated is hardly a reopening.