Azlan Othman & Adib Noor
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 COVID-19 Steering Committee announced updates to guidelines on mass gatherings and domestic activities, including vaccination status no longer a requirement to enter premises or participate in activities in the Sultanate.
This was said by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong during the daily press conference yesterday.
The minister added that individuals are allowed to return to work, regardless of their vaccination status.
For continuous surveillance of COVID-19 in the Sultanate, employees – either in public or private sector – are recommended to undergo antigen rapid test (ART) once a week, where the provision and cost of ART kits are subject to the employers.
The current additional requirement for unvaccinated individuals to obtain a negative ART result certificate before entering premises has been revoked.
“This is a step forward to living in the endemic stage, allowing everyone to work and for students to continue their studies,” Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar said.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said the need for vaccination requirement was made to encourage the population to get vaccinated to reach the goal of 90 per cent vaccination in the Sultanate.
”Alhamdulillah, we have reached that goal and with the introduction of ART screening for COVID-19, we are able to detect the virus faster and more efficiently,” said the minister.
“With the decision by the COVID-19 Steering Committee, everyone can work and live together without being distinguished as either vaccinated or unvaccinated,” he added.
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar added that the COVID-19 Steering Committee will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and guidelines will be updated from time to time.
Visit www.jpm.gov.bn for information and updates.
