James Kon

Brunei Darussalam recorded no new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, further flattening the curve.

This was announced by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar at a press conference.

“Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, the Ministry of Health (MoH) would like to inform the public that there are no new cases of COVID-19 infection in the country. Therefore, as of now, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Brunei Darussalam remains at 135,” he said.

The minister, however, warned that the COVID-19 outbreak was not over yet.

“We must continue to abide by all the precautionary measures to further reduce the risk of spreading the infection,” Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said.

He said seven cases at the National Isolation Centre have recovered and were allowed to return home, bringing the total number of recovered cases so far to 73.

“This means 61 cases are still undergoing treatment at the National Isolation Centre. Of the 61, three are still in critical condition and require respiratory assistance at the Intensive Care Unit. One still requires the assistance of a heart-lung machine (ECMO). The rest are in stable condition,” he said.

Meanwhile, 2,065 individuals have completed their quarantine in accordance with the Infectious Diseases Act (Chapter 204), with only 280 still undergoing quarantine.

The minister said, “A total of 113 have completed the self-isolation period at isolation facilities provided by the government, and have been allowed to return home, bringing the total number to 326.

“Since early January 2020, a total of 8,129 laboratory tests for COVID-19 have been conducted, leading to a ratio of one in 54 individuals in the country who have been tested.”

The minister commended all those working hard to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Brunei Darussalam.

“Our deepest appreciation for all the efforts and cooperation, whether from government agencies, non-government agencies, volunteer bodies and the public, who have all played a part in ensuring that the measures in curbing the COVID-19 outbreak in Brunei Darussalam are well implemented.”

“As stated many times, although the COVID-19 outbreak in the country is under control, our country is still under threat from the influx of the virus from outside the country. Therefore, we still need to take precautionary measures which include continuing to practise social or physical distancing, maintaining personal hygiene, practising coughing and sneezing ethic, avoiding mass gatherings, minimising visits to business establishments in large numbers, and only leaving the house if necessary.

“We must keep in mind that the risk of transmission is still present, even though it is under control. If we are complacent, the situation can change with the blink of an eye and unwanted events such as a lockdown may occur.”

According to healthinfo.gov.bn, the breakdown of cases according to districts shows 108 in the Brunei-Muara District, 23 in the Belait District and four in the Tutong District. There are no cases in the Temburong District.

Information and updates are available on the official MoH website at www.moh.gov.bn, by contacting the Health Advice Line 148 (operating 24-hours) or through the web application at healthinfo.gov.bn.