THE two-week lockdown of Phnom Penh and adjacent Kandal provincial town, Takmao could be extended if people do not cooperate and stay home.
Reports in Phnom Penh Post quoted prime minister Hun Sen issuing the stern warning in an audio address yesterday.
"Now let me make this clear: stay in your home, village, and district and remain where you are now for 14 days," he said.
Despite the lockdown which started on Thursday, the premier observed many people were still out on the streets.
"I want to stress that if the 14-day period is over but the situation does not ease, I will extend the lockdown of Phnom Penh, Takmao and some other provinces where necessary. Without cooperation from our people, it's hard for us to succeed in containing the outbreak.
"Without strict enforcement by security forces and authorities of all levels, we will not be successful. So, I reiterate that this lockdown will forbid people from leaving their homes, except for some cases," he said.
The prime minister noted that those who had already left Phnom Penh for their hometown must remain there for 14 days to break the chain of transmission.
"I am happy to hear that those caught violating the lockdown order have been arrested and sent to court. I encourage the authorities to enforce the law and send them to court without exception.
"I want to stress that from now on the lockdown measure applies to all – even high-ranking officials are not exempted," he stressed.