Cambodia's strongman premier Hun Sen threatened quarantine-breakers with jail time and warned civil servants they could lose their jobs if they go unvaccinated, as the country grapples with a growing coronavirus caseload, AFP reported.

In the past two days Cambodia has registered more than 1,000 infections — many among garment workers and market vendors — bringing the country's tally to 4,081 cases and 26 deaths.

Authorities this week banned travel between provinces, imposed a night-time curfew in the capital Phnom Penh and shut down popular tourism sites including the famed Angkor Wat archaeological park. Wearing face masks is now mandatory in Phnom Penh and violators face a fine of up to $250.

But Prime Minister Hun Sen threatened harsher measures, saying anyone who flouts a two-week quarantine period would face a “quick trial” and jail time.

A custome wearing a protective face mask to prevent the spread of the coronavirus buys items at a local market outside Phnom Penh on April 10. — AP
A custome wearing a protective face mask to prevent the spread of the coronavirus buys items at a local market outside Phnom Penh on April 10. — AP

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