Cambodia’s COVID-19 tally shot past 10,000 cases on Monday as the government tried to curb the virus’ spread with more restrictions.
The Health Ministry reported a daily tally of 580 cases, pushing the number of overall infections above five figures.
The milestone came as authorities ordered a full lockdown in the western city of Poipet, which straddles Cambodia’s border with Thailand.
Poipet, home to almost 100,000 people, according to census data, joins Phnom Penh, the capital’s neighbouring satellite city of Takhmao, and the coastal city of Sihanoukville, in lockdown.
Further, at least 12 smaller areas spread throughout the country have been isolated because of a link to a COVID-19 case, the Khmer Times reported.
In the capital, authorities closed all formal and makeshift markets, while also threatening to fine people from identified hotspots that refused to take a COVID-19 test.
Cambodia, which recorded less than 500 cases and no deaths in its first year of the pandemic, is battling a worsening outbreak that began in February and has led to almost 80 deaths.
The government’s designation of several “red zones” where people are banned from leaving their homes except for emergencies has threatened to create a further humanitarian crisis, as state-supplied foodstuffs struggle to reach thousands of families.
In a statement, head of the World Health Organisation in Cambodia, Li Ailan, called for collective action in the face of the “grim” situation to avoid devastating health and economic impacts.