Azlan Othman

Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Brunei Darussalam Homeira Rigi Zirouki in an official note to Brunei’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised and thanked the Government 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, especially the Ministry of Health, for the proper management in preventing and combatting the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

She also said Brunei Government’s intelligent approach in containing the COVID-19, conducting 8,129 tests and the recovery of 73 people till April 6 are admirable.

Rigi emphasised on the fact that Islamic teachings and rulings, especially the importance of performing Wudhu (ablution) for prayers in prevention of many disease, are thought provoking.

She said the Muslims of Iran, despite severe economic and medical sanctions, are combatting the deadly disease much harder than other countries.

The ambassador also described the Islamic Republic of Iran’s action in the fight against COVID-19.

Following the outbreak of the new coronavirus infection in the People’s Republic of China and the spread to more than 66 countries, the first case of this infection was confirmed in Iran on February 19 and several measures have been taken based on advance preparations.

These include the establishment of the National New Coronavirus Control Headquarters with 12 subcommittees under the supervision of the Minister of Health and Medical Education in accordance with the President’s instructions; restrictions on movement of persons in infected areas; and deploying a medical team with equipment such as a thermometer at the entrance of all cities to prevent the spread of infection.

Other measures include the isolation of new coronavirus infected patients for 14 days and establishing a consultation desk to answer citizen inquiries about the new coronavirus. At the beginning of the outbreak in the country, the Coronavirus testing capacity at the Pasteur Institute of Iran (IPI) increased to 1,800 per day, 18 times more than before.

Iran also closed mosques and religious halls to curb the spread of the virus and suspended Friday prayers.

The Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education has released important instructions including treatment instructions for COVID-19, national instructions for new coronavirus countermeasures and controls, comprehensive instructions on immigration control at airports and other ports of immigration, instructions on environmental controls for new coronavirus measures at immigration ports, including passengers and cargo.

Others include instructions to prevent and control the spread of new coronavirus in workplaces such as government and non-government offices and companies and factories.