James Kon
Brunei Darussalam is set to further its de-escalation plan by allowing mass gathering of 350 effective September 7.
This was said by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar during a press conference, yesterday.
The de-escalation plan, he said, has also extended to activity centres for the elderly, moving from Level 3 to Level 4.
He added that it will also be mandatory for premises owner to print and display QR code at entrances.
The minister said, “Taking into account that the COVID-19 situation in Brunei Darussalam is under control, with the consent of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Ministry of Health (MoH) would like to inform the public on the reduction in social distancing measures commencing on Monday, September 7.
The de-escalations include allowing activity centres for the elderly to operate at Level 4 and increasing the capacity for mass gathering from 200 to 350 people.”
The social distancing measures for other activities remain unchanged.
The minister also reminded the public to comply with all regulations and directives relating to social distancing measures.
He reiterated, “The public is required to use BruHealth app and scan QR code when entering and exiting premises, especially public areas such as shopping malls, retail shops, restaurants, beauty establishments and barber shops.”
The minister also announced that starting September 7, premises owners are required to print and display QR code at entrances. The public is urged to take the use of BruHealth app seriously because should there be a breakout, it can ease contact tracing.
The public is also required to practise social responsibilities by maintaining good hygience, practise good cough and sneezing etiquette and wear masks in crowded situation.
If feeling unwell, do not go to public places or attend social gatherings. Those attending Friday prayers are required to wear face masks, bring their own prayer mats and scan QR code, the minister said.
Anyone found violating the social distancing measures will be considered an offence under the Infectious Diseases Act (Chapter 204), which if found guilty can be issued compound fine up to BND5,000 or prosecuted in court carrying a fine up to BND10,000 or six months’ imprisonment or both. Since enforcement of the directives in June, 636 business premises have been inspected and 517 violations recorded and compound fines issued. Common offences are food handlers not wearing face masks and premises not doing body
temperature checks.
He said the MoH will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation locally and abroad, and mitigation measures will be issued accordingly.
The minister added that the ministry will not hesitate to tighten social distancing measures to control the outbreak.