Government balancing COVID-19 restrictions with lagging economic activity: Observers

Cambojanews, Dec. 3, 2020:Government balancing COVID-19 restrictions with lagging economic activity: Observers

Cambodian observers say the government’s hesitancy to shut down parts of the economy even as Cambodia deals with its first community transmission cluster bares concerns over the health of an already-struggling economy.

Government and health officials are scrambling to contact-trace, test and isolate people who are part of a new cluster of 19 reported cases, as of Thursday morning. The cases are the first community transmission incident where health officials are not sure of its origins.

Last week, the government was quick to shut down schools, entertainment facilities, and ask anyone in direct or indirect contact to stay home for 14 days. But, as with previous outbreaks, the government has shown no inclination to temporarily shutter bustling markets, construction sites, restaurants and bars, crowded factories and other offices.

Hong Vannak, a business researcher at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said allowing these businesses to continue was indicative of the government’s concerns over a potential impact on the economy.

 In full: https://cambojanews.com/government-balancing-covid-19-restrictions-with-lagging-economic-activity-observers/

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