Minister of Health Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham Hj Jaafar (R) addressing the media. Image: Waqiuddin Rajak​

Brunei has imposed entry restrictions for travelers coming from China to prevent the Coronavirus (CoV), with close to 8,000 confirmed cases detected in the Republic from ever reaching the sultanate.

This was shared in joint press conference fronted by the Minister of Health Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham Hj Jaafar, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Ali Apong and Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Hamzah Haji Sulaiman.

The ministers shared that China passport bearers coming straight from Hubei – the place where the virus originated from – or those who have been in the province for the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter the country.

Travelers coming from other parts of China may be allowed to enter the country, but they are required to undergo a 14-day self-quarantine before they can be out in the public.

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Ali Apong (L) addressing the media during the press conference. Image: Waqiuddin Rajak

Bruneian citizens and permanent residents however, are allowed to return to Brunei regardless of which parts of China they arrived from – but they are still required to undergo the two-week isolation.

Those who are unwell and are still in China are advised to delay their return to home, and to seek assistance from the sultanate’s diplomatic mission in the Republic for further advice.

As of now, all Bruneian citizens and residents are not allowed to travel to Hubei. They are also advised to postpone all non-essential travels to China.

Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Hamzah Haji Sulaiman (R) addressing the media. Image: Waqiuddin Rajak

Brunei is currently still on its ‘alert’ stage as the epidemic has yet to be detected inside the country. In this light, the government is focusing its efforts on preventing and blocking the disease from entering the country.

Besides installing thermal inspectors at the Brunei International Airport, the government will also be setting up detectors at border control posts and ports to screen visitors coming from Chinese cities.

Additionally, members of the public are also advised to maintain their hygiene to maximise protection against any microbial infections.

The Bruneian | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN