Cambodia Urges Mask-Wearing for Flu, COVID-19 Cases During Festival Season

The Ministry of Health in Cambodia is urging citizens to wear masks during gatherings, especially for those who test positive for influenza or COVID-19, ahead of the upcoming Pchum Ben festival, a major ancestral commemoration period starting on September 27. Dr. Ly Sovann, Director of the Department of Communicable Disease Control and spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, stated in an interview on September 18, "The Ministry regularly announces the detection of COVID-19 cases, and influenza is also prevalent during this rainy season. Therefore, individuals with influenza should refrain from attending gatherings. If they must attend, they should wear a mask and carry hand sanitizer to prevent transmission to others and the community." He specifically highlighted that children under five and individuals over 60 are at higher risk. Additionally, Dr. Ly Sovann advised on measures to prevent food poisoning during the festival. He recommended thorough handwashing before and after handling food, maintaining hygiene of food preparation utensils, and keeping raw and cooked foods separate. He noted that raw food, particularly poultry, eggs, and seafood, can harbor dangerous pathogens that may contaminate other food items during preparation and storage. He further emphasized the importance of hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water when cooking and after using the restroom. Using separate cutting boards and knives for raw and cooked meat is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases like dysentery. Regarding leftover food from temple offerings, he advised proper cooking or freezing to prevent spoilage and subsequent food poisoning or dysentery. Dr. Ly Sovann urged individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any health concerns suggestive of infection to seek prompt medical attention at health centers or hospitals, or to call the hotline 115. The Pchum Ben festival is scheduled to take place from September 27 to October 12, 2026. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local