Izah Azahari
Since Brunei’s border closures, those entering the country are required to undergo 14 days of mandatory self-isolation. In yesterday’s announcement, the self-isolation period is now between two and 14 days depending on risk categories of the countries the travellers are from.
This was said by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah.
“If they come from a low-risk country, what is required is a negative COVID-19 (RT-PCR) swab test result within 72 hours before departure and they can enter the country and stay at a hotel for two days where they will be administered another test. If the second test is negative, they can leave the hotel.”
He added that for countries they are moderate or high risk, travellers will need to stay for up to 14 days where they will be swabbed again.
“This is to manage the risk of a potential spread of the virus to the local community,” said the minister. “For non-Bruneians or non-permanent residents coming into Brunei, it is a must that they have the COVID-19 swab test 72 hours before departing for Brunei.”
The minister said that returning Bruneians and permanent residents are encouraged to get the swab test as well. If not tested, they will be swabbed on the fifth day after arriving in the Sultanate so they will have to stay longer at the isolation centre – even if they came from a low-risk country.
On the worry that individuals undergoing the two-day self-isolation testing positive after leaving, Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar said that two swab tests are required at least three days apart in case the viral load is low on the first day making it important to wait two days to see a higher viral load that will result in a positive test.
“This is our experience. It can change from negative to positive within three days,” said the minister. “That’s why we want the test within 72 hours before entering Brunei. Ater arrival, they will be swabbed the next day, not immediately.”
About the green lane travel arrangement with Singapore, Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew said it is a reciprocal arrangement with the Singaporean government.
As to whether Brunei is safe from COVID-19 as Singapore still has community spread cases, the minister said Singapore is in low-risk category and those travelling from Singapore will stay in the hotel for two nights and get swabbed. Through discussions with the Ministry of Health (MoH), the precaution is considered adequate especially with the introduction of controlled itinerary in the green lane travel arrangement.
The minister further emphasised on the arrangement being restricted to essential travel and not the re-opening of borders for all.
“It’s only for people who need to travel into Brunei; this is for essential travel only, such as business travel,” said the minister. “For example, if they come here for medical reasons, they will travel from the hotel to the hospital and go directly back to the hotel. They are not free to move about.”
The sponsor or guarantor of the traveller will be taking on the responsibility of monitoring the itinerary and they must use BruHealth app and have a local number.
When asked which country would be next for green lane arrangement with Brunei, the minister said several countries have requested it and negotiations are still ongoing.
“At the moment we are trying this out with Singapore and we will see whether this arrangement works before we increase the number of arrangements with other countries.”
The minister added that although the COVID-19 situation in some countries have improved, it may change and Brunei needs to make sure it does not rush into travel arrangements
too quickly.