Cambodia News(Battambang): The Ministry of Health reported that 46 monks aged between 11- 19 years old have symptoms such as high temperatures over 37.5, coughing, and running nose, for 6 days already at Svay Dongkom pagoda, Ek Phnom district, Battambang.

After receiving the information and the suggestion of Mr. Ngoun Rattanak, Battambang governor, the RRT team led by Dr. Ouk Vithyea, the deputy director of the department, went to test on 21 monks who have fever and will test on other monks on the next day.


Twenty-one patients were examined by Battambang provincial doctors at the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge this morning, September 14, and are awaiting the results.

According to Ms. O Vandin, the monks who are still suffering have improved. The spokeswoman stressed that according to preliminary conclusions from doctors, there is a suspicion of influenza.

The RRT advised the buddhist school manager to follow self-protection by wearing masks and drinking hot water.

UPDATE
More than 120 monks infected with influenza in four provinces
September 16, 2020

Cambodia News, Phnom Penh: Lok Chumteav Dr. O Vandin, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia, said on September 16, 2020, that a total of four provinces (Takeo, Tbong Khmum, Battambang and Banteay Meanchey) have been affected by an outbreak of influenza among monks recently.

In total more than 120 monks have been infected with the flu. Almost all of the afflicted monks are now cured, and only a small number remain; their condition is improving according to the Ministry. Many people are going to the pagodas at this time because it is Pchum Ben holiday and this is spreading infections more than usual.

Good news: After prolonged testing of the sick monks, no cases of covid-19 were found.


Battambang Province: In the morning of Wednesday, September 16th, 2020, Mr. Nguon Rattanak, Governor of the Provincial Board of Governors, accompanied by the Deputy Governor and the Advisor of Samdech Krala Hom Sar Kheng, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, brought food items and other necessities to present to the monks living in Svay Dangkum pagoda, Battambang province.

The Venerable Head of Wat Svay Dangkum expressed his deep gratitude to the Governor of the Provincial Board of Governors for taking care to send professional officers to examine, treat and take samples from the monks all night to inspect for possible covid-19 cases: as a result no monk has tested positive for Covid-19.

At present, there are a total of 119 monks living and studying in the pagoda, of which there are 59 monks with fever and cold who have been examined and some monks have recovered and there are eight monks who are being treated at the district referral hospital, while the monks who live in the pagoda are up to 90% better.