PHNOM PENH, April 9 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodian government on Thursday issued an order to restrict local travels for a week to stem the spread of COVID-19 during the upcoming traditional New Year.

Signed by Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the order banned traveling into and out of the capital city Phnom Penh, traveling from one district to another in provinces, and traveling from one province to another, with an exception for vehicles transporting goods, civil servants, and armed forces on duties.

Effective from 24:00 on April 9 until 24:00 on April 16, 2020, the order said that ambulances, firetrucks and garbage trucks are exempted from the prohibition, adding that trucks transporting garment workers from their houses to factories must have an authorized letter from the labor ministry or departments.

It added that sick people still can travel to the nearest hospital or health center, but the maximum number of people in a group is four.

Hun Sen wrote on his official Facebook page that "For national safety and people's lives, I have no better choice than the issuance of this order."

The government on Tuesday decided to cancel the celebrations of the Khmer New Year, which is scheduled for April 13 to 16, to curb the virus spread.

Cambodia has so far recorded a total of 118 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 68 patients cured, according to a Ministry of Health statement on Thursday. Enditem

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