James Kon
Brunei Darussalam recorded one new imported COVID-19 case yesterday bringing the total active cases in the country to two and the tally of confirmed cases to 150. Both cases are receiving treatment at the National Isolation Centre in Tutong District.
This was shared by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar during a press conference at the Al-‘Afiah Hall of the Ministry of Health building.
The minister revealed that Case 150 is a 37-year-old man, who arrived in the country on Royal Brunei BI874 flight from Egypt via Kuala Lumpur on November 3. He showed no signs of infection.
Five contacts identified have undergone the COVID-19 swab test and have been confirmed negative for COVID-19.
With the detection of the latest case, he said, “Nine imported cases have been confirmed since the last local infection case was reported on May 6. At present, Brunei Darussalam has recorded 202 days without COVID-19 local infection cases.”
On the updates of individuals under quarantine, the minister said 558 individuals are undergoing mandatory self-isolation at monitoring centres comprising those who have just arrived in the country from abroad.
Currently, 8,287 individuals have completed mandatory self-isolation at the monitoring centres.
In the past 24 hours, he said, “A total of 284 samples have been tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, bringing the total number of laboratory tests conducted since January to 75,916.”
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham reminded the public to maintain personal hygiene, practise proper cough and sneeze etiquettes, wear a face mask in crowded places, and avoid public places and social gatherings when feeling unwell.
“The public is urged to use the BruHealth app and scan the QR code when entering and exiting premises. Premise owners are required to display their QR codes,” he said.
The minister warned that violating the ministry’s order is an offence under the Infectious Diseases Act (Chapter 204). If found guilty, a BND5,000 compound fine will be issued.
Offenders can also be prosecuted in court carrying a fine up to BND10,000 or imprisonment up to six months or both.
Healthinfo.gov.bn revealed that there have been 115 cases in the Brunei-Muara District, 29 in the Belait District and six in the Tutong District.
Visit www.moh.gov.bn, contact Health Advice Line at 148 or check the BruHealth app or healthinfo.gov.bn web app for more information.