Azlan Othman
The upcoming Chinese New Year celebration will be confined to close family members only, with gatherings limited to no more than 30 people at one time. Lion dance troupes will be allowed to perform at homes, on condition that an invitation is not extended to friends/families not of the same household.
Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong announced this at the press conference yesterday.
The minister said, by command 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 COVID-19 Steering Committee has announced the guidelines for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration.
If the celebration is to be held at a hall, the allowed capacity at any one time is 75 per cent or a maximum of 300 people (whichever is lower), and the duration is limited to no more than two hours.
The event should also adhere to the COVID-19 control measures under the Mass Gathering Guidelines of the Early Endemic Phase, currently in place.
All halls and homes must register a BruHealth QR code and only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed. They are also required to undergo an antigen rapid test (ART) at the respective venue before joining the celebrations. The use of the BruHealth code is compulsory.
Food and drinks must be served in packed form or dome warmers. Wearing a face mask is also required, except when eating and drinking. Physical distancing must also be practiced.
Lion dance guidelines were also listed, including lion dance performances can only be carried-out at the housing compounds of school coordinating committee members, advisers and certain Chinese community members; at the Chinese temple, school halls or indoor halls, including association halls. Lion dance performances at the Chinese temple, school halls or indoor halls must adhere to the 75 per cent capacity rule.
Lion dance performances are not allowed at hotels, restaurants, shops and business premises.
The public can contact the Public Entertainment Control and Publication, under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), at 2223225 or email hiburan.awam@moha.gov.bn for enquiries.
