PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's 52-day streak of recording zero Covid-19 cases has ended, with 10 new infections detected.
Following the detection, health authorities have called on the public to implement preventive health measures to prevent a large-scale outbreak.
According to the Ministry of Health, the 10 cases were detected by PCR tests and were confirmed to be the highly contagious Omicron variant.
The Phnom Penh Post reports Prime Minister Hun Sen saying on Tuesday that Cambodia was experiencing a recurrence of the disease with 10 cases recorded on a single day – two imported and eight local cases.
He said the new cases were detected among individuals who tested positive as they sought certificates for travelling abroad and inbound travellers.
He added that in some places, rapid testing was also detecting new cases and it is believed that Covid-19 was circulating in the country again, but in smaller numbers of people and with less serious symptoms.
"I appeal to our people to continue implementing health measures that have been put in place such as the three dos and three don'ts. Infections have been detected in many places both through PCR and rapid testing. Without serious measures, our country's situation could take a turn for the worse," he said in his audio message.
As of June 29, Cambodia had recorded a total of 136,272 Covid-19 cases with 133,206 recoveries and 3,056 fatalities.
No new cases had been registered for the 52 days from May 7 to June 27.
Hun Sen said Cambodians should get their booster jabs on time in line with the nation's Covid-19 vaccination programme.
Following the discovery of new cases, the Health Ministry has ramped up monitoring at all air, water and land entry points.
According to a Khmer Times report, rapid tests will be carried out on inbound travellers who display symptoms of the disease and PCR tests are mandatory for those who test positive.
The ministry has also reintroduced free rapid and PCR tests at all public hospitals in bid to encourage people who suspect they have Covid-19 to get tested.
Ministry of Health spokeswoman Or Vandine told Khmer Times that even if travellers were fully vaccinated, if they display symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, flushed face, fever or temperature of 37 C or above, they will automatically be given the rapid tests at entry points by health officials on standby there.
Previously, rapid tests and PCR tests could only be taken at limited locations such as the Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital in Phnom Penh and in front of the Christian church in Stung Meanchey, with long crowded queues causing tempers to flare.
The testing at all referral hospitals had been stopped because no cases were being recorded in the Kingdom.
The Health Ministry also urged all people who have self-tested positive for Covid-19 to report to authorities to prevent any cluster cases and a potential outbreak.
Dr Vandine, also reminded the public about the importance of Covid-19 vaccinations to prevent the spread of the virus and to reduce the seriousness of symptoms and number of deaths among those who were infected.
She added that those who have not been vaccinated or have not received booster shots should come forward and receive them immediately at one of the state or referral hospitals and health centres located throughout the country, many of which were still carrying out vaccinations daily.
In a press statement, she said the Covid-19 vaccination committee will approve third doses for the age group of 3- to 6-year-olds, while those in the age group of 6 to 12 years will be able to get fourth doses beginning July 6.
Vandine added that for those who are above 12 years and have been vaccinated with a fourth dose, a fifth shot will be available from July 4.
The Post said that third, fourth and fifth doses for national officials will be administered at six state hospitals.
The vaccination sites for sub-national government officials and the general public will be arranged at hospitals, health centers and mobile locations in the capital and 24 provinces.
"If you have a gap of three months or more following your second, third or fourth doses of vaccines, or if you received just one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, please go and get your booster shots as soon as possible," Vandine said.