In Cambodia, some measures such as immigration restrictions, school closures have been taken to contain the spread of new coronavirus since the middle of March. Domestic travel restriction has also been imposed since 10 April. 122 infected cases of COVID -19 were reported as of 13 April, however, the spread of infection became concerned because the medical system does not properly function in the country.

Under the circumstances, FIDR had to temporarily halt the project activities since the end of March. When FIDR decided to halt the project, only one day was left for staff to leave the project site. Before leaving the project site, FIDR staffs wanted to do something necessary for villagers within a limited time.

From March, the government has transmitted information about preventing COVID-19 infection to the public through Facebook, TV, and radio. However, in rural areas, some people didn't get enough information because they cannot read, or they don’t have TV or mobile phone. Moreover, inaccurate information about COVID-19 was circulated, which made people feel fearful.

Therefore, FIDR decided to conduct the "COVID-19 prevention campaign" to broadly spread accurate information on COVID-19 and encouraged villagers to take preventive measures. On that day, our staffs drove around the villages together with Commune Councilors, Village chiefs, and the police by tuk-tuks, tractors, and motorbikes. The Commune Councilors strongly conveyed the message to the villagers not to be afraid of COVID-19, but to actively prevent it. This attempt raised the awareness of the villagers about the importance of prevention and it became customary to take preventive measures such as hand-washing.

The spread of COVID-19 hit the peak in mid- March and no new cases have been reported since mid-August. FIDR has resumed the project from the middle of June. At this time, people in the project site are returning to their normal lives. However, they gradually lose attention to hygiene. Mao Sugita, project manager, said, "We have recommended hand washing as one of the preventive measures even before the spread of coronavirus, and now, it has become more important to make a habit of practicing a hygienic lifestyle. We need to make a change in the villagers’ behavior", for example, through conducting and giving guidance on handwashing and hygiene at all the meetings and trainings.

Commune Councilors, Village chiefs, and the police drove around the villages to encourage villagers to take preventive measures against new coronavirus.

Villagers were washing hands before the workshops.