KTVs and bars are eager to reopen, but don't expect a rush of customers.

[ASEAN NOW]

 

The Phnom Penh Administration yesterday reversed its decision and reopened all high-risk activities and companies, including bars, karaoke, discotheques, and entertainment shops, just two days after stating that they would be closed for another seven days.

After receiving an evaluation report from individuals appointed to evaluate the feasibility of reopening the high-risk enterprises, Phnom Penh deputy governor Keut Chhe told Khmer Times that they chose to reopen.

 

"The interim ban was supposed to terminate on November 28th, according to the previous statement. We chose to extend the suspension since we had not received the results. We decided to lift the suspension now that the results are in," he continued.

 

The study revealed that the Covid-19 situation is well under control, that the majority of people in Phnom Penh are fully vaccinated, and that the decision to reopen is now in the hands of high-level authorities, with many areas flattening their curves, despite the fact that the pandemic is far from over.

 

He went on to say that the analysis revealed that the Covid-19 situation was improving every day and that the number of instances was approaching zero.

 

"We have decided to lift the suspension and allow these firms to continue under the new routine," Chhe added, citing strict preventative measures put in place to safeguard the safety of employees and consumers.

 

Furthermore, he stated that their careful study has showed that people who attend high-risk establishments like as karaoke, pubs, and discotheques are young, healthy, and completely vaccinated, with many having had their booster injections.

 

"Even if they are infected, they will only have mild symptoms and will recover quickly," he added, adding that restarting these enterprises will contribute in the post-economic recovery.

The Phnom Penh Administration has asked the owners to assign a staff to be stationed at the entrance to check if their clients are fully vaccinated and if they are strictly following the instructions of the Health Ministry, particularly the 3 Do's and 3 Don'ts and the Standing Operating Procedures of the Tourism Ministry, relevant ministries and institutions, in order to ensure the successful reopening of these businesses.

 

The owner of Tokyo Bar, who did not want to be identified, said he was pleased to reopen his business after a long period of closure and that he would rigorously comply to the terms, conditions, and standards.

 

"We don't foresee a sudden influx of clients since people are still concerned about their health and avoiding the illness." "While relaxing out at the bar, clients would undoubtedly keep social distance," he noted.

 

The manager of the Washington KTV, who did not want to be identified, stated that they are excited to reopen their business, but that they must wait until the entire operation is in order.

 

Top Sopheak, a spokesperson for the Tourism Ministry, told Khmer Times that the ministry is in charge of the SOPs for reopening these high-risk enterprises, and that he hopes everyone would follow them.

 

Meanwhile, Kandal province governor Kong Sophorn stated yesterday that restarting these high-risk firms was not a top priority for the time being, but that it will be done after a thorough analysis and appraisal of the situation and when the time was appropriate.

 

"At the time, the safety of the people is our main priority," he said.

 

Un Chanda, the governor of Kampong Cham province, announced yesterday that all of the province's high-risk businesses will reopen today (December 1), while Sok Lou, the governor of Battambang province, said they have yet to make a decision because their priority is to vaccinate as many people as possible.

 

Ouch Phea, the governor of Takeo province, stated that they are currently examining the situation and have yet to make a decision on whether or not these firms would reopen.

 

Credit Source: Khmer Times

 

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