James Kon
The Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) yesterday in a joint statement urged public cooperation, especially parents to remain vigilant by taking into account health advices before deciding to go out with family members for less essential purposes.
This is following a spike in new COVID-19 cases in recent days and the number of home clusters involving students in several schools as stated in a media statement on the COVID-19 situation issued on February 7.
The public should remain vigilant and refrain from going out unless essential as family members can be exposed to infections affecting students’ attendance during face-to-face learning.
Brunei yesterday recorded 440 new local cases and one imported COVID-19 infection case. In the joint statement yesterday, the MoH and MoE clarified that no school clusters have been detected so far.
However, with Brunei in the Early Endemic Phase, the number of cases in the Sultanate is expected to increase, as Omicron cases can be detected anywhere including residential houses, public places, business premises or educational institutions.
“Therefore, the public must continue to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines and practise their social responsibility as we live with COVID-19,” the statement said.
The SOPs include wearing well-fitted face mask, ensuring physical distancing, practising personal hygiene at all times, getting regularly tested with the antigen rapid testing (ART) kit, ensure indoor spaces have good ventilation, getting the booster vaccine, using the BruHealth app when entering premises and reporting health status, and getting check-ups if flu-like symptoms arise. Those infected are advised to remain calm and follow health protocols while self-isolating at own residence or isolation centres.
The MoH will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in the country while the government will inform the public if there are any changes to the guidelines.
