Izah Azahari

The 28-day countdown is still on going despite Brunei reporting one COVID-19 positive case on April 10, after five straight days of zero cases, Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar said yesterday.

Addressing a press conference at the Al-‘Afiah Hall, the minister said this is because the case reported on April 10 is imported and was isolated immediately at a government-designated isolation facility upon arrival.

Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said to have a reset there should be a spread – even if it is limited, citing an example of an infected individual who accidentally infects his wife at home, which will then call for a reset.

Meanwhile, on using latex gloves, especially for cashiers, the minister said this protects the individual wearing it as there is still an exchange of physical money.

Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham reminded individuals that they should keep in mind that the level of cleanliness must also be looked into when wearing latex gloves as the person wearing it touches many other items.

He said what can be worrying is that even with its use, an individual will still be touching the face and may bring a higher risk.

“Those who wear latex gloves for protection should remember to be extra cautious to not touch their face,” the minister said.

He also spoke about the 20 per cent expectation on incoming travellers being infected by the virus.

Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said the estimate was “generous” but has not reached that percentage, explicating that it may be due to students being busy with school work and not having time to go around when they were overseas.

“Alhamdulillah, it has not reached 20 per cent. About 100 people came back recently and only one person was infected – which is good,” the minister said.

He added that anyone entering Brunei, whether citizens of the country, residents or has family here, brings in the risk of infection.

“So we always need to be prepared and always ensure that every entry is strictly controlled because you just need one to spoil everything,” the minister added.