Azlan Othman & Izah Azahari

The total number of recovered patients in Brunei is quite high amounting to over 90 per cent confirmed recoveries with only 16 active cases remaining. Three tests are carried out within a span of 24 hours to ensure the results are negative before the patients are allowed to return home.

This was said by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar at the daily press conference to update about the COVID-19 situation in the country.

Asked on extending the self-isolation period for citizens, residents and foreigners arriving in Brunei as a preventive measure following the global increase in the pandemic, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said the 14-day isolation period was sufficient.

He said there was no need to extend the isolation period for over 14 days.

Speaking about relapsed cases and if a different treatment is provided to them, the minister said, “We know from our counterparts in the region that a relapse is not infectious so far. There is no specific treatment for them but we monitor them at the National Isolation Centre. But if they develop symptoms, we will treat such symptoms accordingly. We don’t give an anti-viral to them as it is most likely not infectious.”

Asked if the blood supply in the country is adequate, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said the Ministry of Health has received an overwhelming response from blood donors.

“We usually carry out major campaigns on blood donation prior to Ramadhan. The public is urged to call the Blood Donation Centre which is open day and night through an appointment to ensure there is no mass gathering.”

Meanwhile, the Star.Express, the global COVID-19 live update, recently reported that Brunei tops the global chart on COVID-19 recovery rate with 96.38 per cent.

This was followed by Faros islands with 96.22 per cent and Gibarltar with 95.49 per cent.