Public gatherings for religious purposes will be allowed from December 1, the Ministry of Cults and Religions said in a November 11 instruction signed by minister Chhit Sokhon.

The decision received the nod from Prime Minister Hun Sen on November 8 as part of “new normal” protocols, the ministry said.

The ministry told religious leaders and ministry units to work with local authorities on the resumption of ceremonies, gatherings and other activities at Buddhist temples, churches, mosques and other faith-based venues.

Anyone entering the vicinity of a religious event will be required to show their Covid-19 vaccination card, including monks, the ministry said, adding that capacity limits set by the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration and its provincial counterparts must be respected.

The pertinent Ministry of Health rules and other administrative measures must be observed at all places of religious activity, especially the “three do’s and three don’t’s” guidelines, according to the instruction.