Cambodia to reciprocate Thai quarantine policies

Cambodia to reciprocate Thai quarantine policies

The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised the government to reciprocate Thai quarantine policies which allow vaccinated Cambodians to enter Thailand without quarantine, potentially accelerating the recovery of the vital tourism sector.

While it remains the decision of the government, Dr Li Ailan, WHO representative to Cambodia, also advised a risk-based approach to manage international border measures. It is the right time to adjust the Covid-19 response strategy and plan for the future, including less strict and more sustainable international border measures.

Dr Ailan said the reopening of the borders need to be carefully planned and managed. There is no zero risk option but “we want to make sure Covid-19 risks are at a manageable level. There is still a high chance of a surge if good public health and social measures are not in place, even with high vaccination coverage.”

“We also recommend effective cross border collaboration, for example between Cambodia and Thailand, to ensure full vaccination for those living in cross land border areas and migrant workers. They are vulnerable people who need to be protected,” she said.

She said that the government needs to ensure a good balance between lives and livelihoods, and still needs to manage Covid-19 risks in the context of lifting some strict border measures like mandatory quarantine. Fully vaccinated international travellers should continue to comply with Covid-19 preventive measures as advised by the Ministry of Health. Khmer Times