Three Phnom Penh hospitals, 25 provincial referral centres identified for COVID-19 treatment

An image of the novel coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) as shown under a scanning and transmission electron microscope. Photo/The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases' Rocky Mountain Laboratories

The Cambodian Ministry of Health has designated three hospitals in Phnom Penh (Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, National Pediatric Hospital, and Kunthabopha Hospital), and 25 Provincial Referral Hospitals as medical facilities that can order a test for, and treat, suspected cases of COVID-19.

Provincial healthcare facilities may be underdeveloped and lacking the resources to provide an expected level of care. For instance, provincial hospitals in Cambodia expect family members to provide admitted patients with bed linens, meals, and supportive hygiene care.

The Cambodian Ministry of Health (MOH), in consultation with the WHO, US-CDC, and the Institute Pasteur of Cambodia (IPC), has selected IPC as the designated lab for COVID-19 testing.

On March 14, 2020, the Cambodian authorities announced that foreigners traveling from the following countries will not be allowed to enter Cambodia: United States, Italy, Germany, Spain, France and Iran. American citizens traveling in the region who wish to travel or return to Cambodia in the near-term should make every effort to do so before this 30-day suspension of entry goes into effect on March 17, 2020. Individuals with specific questions should contact the nearest Cambodian Embassy or Consulate for answers.

Travelers are required to complete a health declaration form before disembarkation in Cambodia. Cambodia has placed thermal scanners and quarantine teams at the three international airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, and at border checkpoints.

The Cambodian Ministry of Health (MOH) had announced on March 14 a 30-day suspension of entry into Cambodia on “foreigners traveling from” the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and subsequently Iran. The suspension will go into effect on Tuesday March 17.

Cambodian authorities have not clarified the application of this suspension for individuals currently outside of the country with valid Cambodia residence or work permits, or for individuals from the five cited countries seeking to enter Cambodia from other points of origin.

For additional information in Cambodia, travelers can call the 115 hotline or MOH officials at: 012 825 424, 012 488 981 or 012 836 868. Information is available in English and Khmer. US Embassy Advisory