Izah Azahari
Mass gatherings are now permitted at up to 300 people at public premises including halls and restaurants, or the maximum capacity a given venue, whichever is the lesser number starting today.
The announcement was made by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong at the daily press conference yesterday with the consent 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.
“The maximum capacity of public premises is subject to physical distancing of at least one metre between tables in restaurants, or one metre between chairs for other mass gathering events,” said the minister.
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar also said the capacity for mass gatherings in home residences remains at a maximum of 30 people, excluding the host.
“The COVID-19 Steering Committee also wishes to remind the public, particularly owners of restaurants and eateries, that preparation of food in the form of buffet in restaurants or home residences is still not permitted,” the minister added.
He went on to say that the updated guidelines are subject to changes made by the COVID-19 Steering Committee from time to time, and further information as well as details can be found on the Prime Minister’s Office website at www.jpm.gov.bn.
