The Foreign Affairs Ministry today informed all Cambodian ambassadors and consuls to suspend and reimburse all visas granted to foreigners from Italy, Germany, Spain, France and the US for 30 days as countries worldwide scramble to contain the spread of COVID-19.
In a statement, Secretary of State Ouch Borith said the visa suspension will take effect on March 17, citing that the spread of the virus in the five countries is currently notable.
The ministry also urged all Cambodian ambassadors, consuls and officials working overseas to work from home unless urgent things arise until the health crisis in their countries improves.
According to Xinhua news agency, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday declared a war on COVID-19, two days after the World Health Organization characterised the new virus as a pandemic.
“We must declare war on this virus,” said Guterres in a video message. “That means countries have a responsibility to gear up, step up and scale up – by implementing effective containment strategies, by activating and enhancing emergency response systems, by dramatically increasing testing capacity and care for patients, by readying hospitals … and by developing life-saving medical interventions.”
Source: Khmerkhtimes.com