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Gov’t runs out of vaccines for first dose appointments
5.38pm | August 31, 2021
The health minister said from September 1, vaccination centres will not be able honour appointments for people awaiting their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, he said vaccine supply “has reduced rapidly and unexpectedly”.
Bookings for the first dose will have to be rescheduled to a future date when fresh vaccine supply arrives.
YB Dato Dr Hj Md Isham added that the government is in negotiations with vaccine manufacturers and “friendly nations” to try and secure additional supply as soon as possible.
Senior citizens, expectant mothers and those with disabilities can still walk-in to any vaccination centre to receive their first dose, but supplies for these groups are also limited.
MoH said it will honour appointments for people awaiting their second dose.
Full story here.
71 new cases, one death reported today
5.12pm | August 31, 2021
The health ministry reported 71 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, as well as 130 new recoveries, pushing the number of active cases down to 1,734.
The ministry also confirmed that an 80-year-old man has died of a lung infection after contracting COVID-19.
Health minister YB Dato Dr Hj Md Isham said the Mahad Islam college — a makeshift isolation centre for COVID patients with mild symptoms — will be able to increase capacity to 440 people starting tomorrow.
The centre, which is jointly operated with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, will eventually be able to hold 904 patients once all preparations are complete.
Full story here.
Pandemic continues to put the squeeze on RB
7.44pm | August 30, 2021
Second Minister of Finance and Economy YB Dato Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said Royal Brunei Airlines will continue to endure losses as the sultanate’s borders remain closed to non-essential travellers.
Speaking during the daily COVID presser, the minister said there are no plans to increase the number of flights in and out of Brunei.
“Unlike many other countries where they are starting to open up their borders, their airlines are starting to fly more. But in our case it’s different,” he said.
RB currently operates eight flights a week in and out of Brunei to bring in essential goods and cargo.
With revenue in the aviation sector down 83 percent last year, the national airline is seeking to diversify revenue streams by bringing in more air freight.
MoH reports 76 new cases
6.24pm | August 30, 2021
The health ministry reported 76 new COVID-19 infections today, the lowest number it has recorded since August 18.
Health minister YB Dato Dr Hj Md Isham Hj Jaafar said he does not expect to see a steady decline in new cases in the coming days despite detecting fewer infections on Monday.
“We hope that the number of cases will continue to decrease, but there will be some surge here and there.”
Monday saw 111 recoveries, with COVID-19 patients now allowed to return home if they tested negative after eight days at NIC.
Full story here.
Second drive-thru swab centre to open in Seria
5.32pm | August 29, 2021
A second drive-thru swabbing centre will open at Pusat Insani, Seria on Monday, August 30.
Anyone can get tested so long as they are over 12 and possess a valid BruHIMS number. Members of the public can book a slot through the QueUp app.
Hours of operation will be from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Thursday and Saturday.
MoH reports 103 new cases; death of 82-year-old woman
5.09pm | August 29, 2021
The Ministry of Health said an 82-year-old woman has passed away from a lung infection after contracting COVID-19.
A total of 103 new cases were reported today, bringing the total number of active cases to 1,829.
Sixty-nine people have recovered today, while seven remain in critical condition.
Health minister YB Dato Dr Hj Md Isham said the number of vaccinations administered for a single day hit 10,826 on August 28 – a record high.
A total of 19 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated with two doses, while 48 percent has been vaccinated with at least one dose.
82 new cases reported
4.52pm | August 28, 2021
The Ministry of Health reported 82 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the total number of active cases to 1,788.
Brunei has averaged 150 new daily cases over the past week, up 45 percent compared to the previous week.
Testing capacity has also increased by 44 percent since the opening of 24-hour testing laboratory at BRIDEX, with an average of 4,534 daily tests.
Full story here.
Brunei records 115 new infections
6.02pm | August 27, 2021
The Ministry of Health reported 115 new infections today, bringing the total number of active cases to 1,757.
During a press conference, health minister YB Dato Dr Hj Md Isham said more than half of the cases are still at home and have yet to be transferred to government isolation facilities due to shortage of beds.
He added that new makeshift isolation centres at Mahad Islam college in Tutong and RBAF’s Lumut camp are still being readied to host hundreds of COVID-19 patients.
Only patients who have mild symptoms or who are asymptomatic will be held at the makeshift centres, any patients requiring more rigorous medical attention will be transferred to NIC.
The health minister said over 80 percent of patients were asymptomatic.
Full story here.
MoFE releases FAQ on consumer rights
7pm | August 26, 2021
The Ministry of Finance and Economy has released a guide on consumer rights and business obligations to help address issues arising from disruption of business services during COVID-19.
The guide covers issues such as price gouging, cancellation of services etc, under the framework Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Order.
Gov’t authorises use of self-test kits
6.12pm | August 26, 2021
The health ministry has authorised the use of four antigen rapid test (ART) kits in the market.
YB Dato Dr Hj Mohd Isham encouraged pharmacies, clinics and other retailers to import the approved test kits as the ministry currently does not have enough stock that can be distributed to the public.
Antigen rapid tests usually take 10-15 minutes to detect an active COVID-19 infection, but is not as sensitive as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
Those who test positive after using the ART self-test kit should isolate themselves and proceed to a swab centre for further testing, the minister said.
These are the four test kits approved by MoH:
MoH confirms presence of Delta variant
5pm | August 26, 2021
The health minister also confirmed that all 20 samples they had sent to Singapore for genetic sequencing showed markers of the Delta variant of COVID-19, a virulent strain of the virus that is two to three times more infectious than other variants.
YB Dato Dr Hj Md Isham urged citizens to get vaccinated, wear masks in public places and frequently wash or sanitise their hands in order to minimise the chances of infection.
Brunei also recently received a donation of a genome sequencing machine from Chinese investment firm IDG Capital, which will allow the government to carry out genetic sequencing domestically.
Full story here.
MoH reports 106 new cases; confirms death of 2 COVID patients
4.49pm | August 26, 2021
The health ministry confirmed the death of two COVID-19 patients — a 51-year-old man who passed away due to a lung infection; and a 52-year-old man who died due to intracerebral haemorrhage. The latter is not classified as a COVID-related death.
A total of 106 new infections were reported today, while 41 people have recovered and been discharged from quarantine.
The number of active cases in Brunei stands at 1,678.
Health minister YB Dato Dr Hj Md Isham also called on more pregnant women to get vaccinated, saying 75 percent of women registered in maternal healthcare clinics had come forward to take the COVID jab.
Eight pregnant women at the NIC are currently being treated for COVID-19, with one safely delivering a baby boy via caesarean section on August 24.
Full story here.
MoH announces 176 new cases, one death
4.33pm | August 25, 2021
A 55-year-old man has become the sixth COVID-19 fatality in Brunei, the health minister announced in a press briefing on Wednesday.
YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said the man, identified as Case 656, had contracted lung infection.
The victim was diagnosed with COVID-19 on August 15.
The health ministry also registered 176 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall COVID-19 tally to 2,159.
A total of 88 new cases were linked to 18 active clusters. No new clusters were reported on Wednesday.
There are now 1,614 active cases after 69 people were discharged overnight.
Thirty-five people are receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.
Full story here.
Brunei confirms two COVID-related deaths, 110 new cases
4.43pm | August 24, 2021
Two people have died of COVID-19 complications, the health minister confirmed on Tuesday.
During a press briefing, YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said both coronavirus patients had contracted pneumonia — a severe complication of COVID-19.
The minister said the victims, a 85-year-old woman and 69-year-old man, were admitted to the National Isolation Centre on August 14 and August 22, respectively.
A total of 110 new coronavirus cases were also reported overnight, including three imported infections.
Two new clusters have been linked to Case 1597 and Case 1640.
The ministry is still investigating the source of infections for 46 of the new cases.
Thirty-two people were discharged over the past 24 hours, while 31 people are being treated in the Intensive Care Unit.
Full story here.
MoH reports 104 new cases, one death
4.29pm | August 23, 2021
A COVID-19 patient has died of heart failure but his death is not classified as a coronavirus-related death, Health Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar announced on Monday.
The 56-year-old man — Case 1379 — was admitted to the National Isolation Centre on Sunday and passed away on Monday morning.
A total of 104 new coronavirus cases were reported on Monday, including 70 that are yet to be linked to any of the active clusters.
One new cluster of 10 cases have been linked to Patient 418.
Seventeen people recovered in the past 24 hours and 31 people are in the Intensive Care Unit.
The number of active cases stands at 1,432.
Full story here.
Drive-thru swab centre to open Monday
6.12pm | August 22, 2021
MoH has announced that a new drive-thru swabbing centre will begin operations at BRIDEX Hall on Monday.
The centre will be open from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Thursday and Saturday. Members of the public must use the QueUp app to book a slot.
Only two people in one car (e.g. driver and passenger) can get swabbed at any one time. Only one booking is required per vehicle.
This service is open to all adults over the age of 12 who possess a valid BruHIMS number.
For people with green and yellow BruHealth codes, they must not have any signs of influenza such as a cough, runny nose, fever or sore throat when visiting the centre.
The swab centre will also allow people with a red BruHealth code (i.e. those instructed to undergo testing) to get swabbed.
However, anyone who requires a swab test for the purpose of exiting the country must go to the other designated swab centres.
314 new infections reported today
5.35pm | August 22, 2021
The health ministry reported 314 new infections today, bringing the total number of active cases to 1,346.
MoH said 218 of the new cases are from the backlog of swab samples, while 96 are from tests carried out in the past 24 hours.
Among the new cases, 34 have been linked to Chung Hua Middle School in Belait — the largest cluster with 241 infections.
Another 19 cases have been linked to the Champion 7 oil field, an offshore cluster which has a total of 222 infections.
Four new clusters have also been identified, including a cluster of 17 people at Samima stationery store and another cluster of three people at Jaya Hypermart.
Sixty-four people recovered today, while 21 are in the ICU for close monitoring.
Full story here.
Brunei extends COVID-19 restrictions, 122 new cases detected
4.51pm | August 21, 2021
Brunei has extended its COVID-19 restrictions for another two weeks amid a surge in cases, the health minister announced in a press briefing on Saturday.
YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said COVID-19 curbs will remain until September 4 as Brunei’s COVID-19 situation is still “unstable”.
The ministry reported 122 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, but it is not known how many of these infections were confirmed from a backlog of tests.
The majority of the new cases (79) have not been linked to any of the active clusters yet.
Among the new cases, 11 have been linked to the Champion 7 oil field and related vessels cluster.
The Brunei Shell Petroleum headquarters and Institute of Brunei Technical Education Kuala Belait clusters added eight new cases each.
Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait remained the largest active cluster with seven new infections, while Cluster 583 reported three more cases.
The ministry has also identified a new cluster of four cases linked to Patient 1385.
Another two new cases were imported from United Kingdom and Manila.
Twenty-five patients are receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, including three who are critically ill.
The number of active cases stands at 1,096.
Full story here.
Singapore donates 100,000 Moderna vaccines
7.46pm | August 20, 2021
The Singapore government has donated 100,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine, which arrived on a Royal Brunei Airlines flight on Thursday night.
“The Moderna vaccine is a contribution by Singapore which reflects the special relations with Brunei Darussalam and their continued support in the fight against COVID-19,” the health ministry said in a statement.
Two weeks ago, YB Dato Dr Hj Mohd Isham said vaccine access remained a challenge but was optimistic of achieving the country’s 70 percent vaccination target by the end of the year, so long as 300,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine are delivered by the final quarter of 2021.
Singapore has the highest vaccination rate in Southeast Asia, with 77 percent of its population fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
In contrast, only 14.3 percent of residents in Brunei have completed their two-dose vaccine regimen since April.
Health Minister YB Dato Dr Hj Md Isham receives 100,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine from Singapore High Commissioner to Brunei Heng Aik Yeow at the Brunei International Air Cargo Centre. Photo: Courtesy of MoH
MCYS sees over 200 applications for gov’t welfare
6.20pm | August 20, 2021
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports has received 235 new applications for government assistance since August 7, when new COVID-19 constrictions were announced.
MCYS said a total of 17,868 people have registered under the National Welfare System (SKN) since it was launched on July 15, 2020.
From this number, some 15,886 have applied for welfare assistance from either the Community Development Department or the Islamic Religious Council.
Those seeking government aid during this time can apply at the SKN website. The public can also contact the the JAPEM hotline at 141 or 2382911 extension 1249 for any queries.
MCYS calls for more volunteers
6pm | August 20, 2021
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports YB Dato Hj Aminuddin Ihsan POKSMDSP Hj Abidin called on more more volunteers to step forward help the national COVID-19 effort.
Since August 7, some 400 new youth volunteers have registered with the ministry. A total of 4,000 youth volunteers are registered altogether.
YB Dato Hj Aminuddin said more than 400 volunteers are on duty every day at several locations, including the makeshift isolation facility at PKBN, swabbing centres, hospitals and clinics, hotels and food distribution centres,
Volunteers are also tasked with delivering food rations to people under a Quarantine Order or isolation notice.
Between August 11 to 19, volunteers have delivered food rations to 5,129 people in 840 households.
Those who are interested in volunteering can register here, through the Mengalinga mobile app or by calling 8913762.
New record high of 197 cases, man dies of heart attack after testing positive for COVID-19
5.46pm | August 20, 2021
The health ministry confirmed that a 70-year-old man who tested positive for COVID-19 has died of a heart attack.
However, Health Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said the case is not treated as a coronavirus-related death.
The man — Case 849 — was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on Thursday night.
Brunei reported 197 new coronavirus cases on Friday, its highest daily total since the pandemic began.
In a press briefing, the minister said 106 of the new infections were confirmed from a backlog of tests, while 91 were detected in the past 24 hours.
One new cluster has been identified and linked to Patient 884, which has recorded a total of five cases.
The largest active cluster — Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait — grew to 200 cases after 27 more infections were reported.
The Champion 7 oil field and related vessels cluster added another 46 new cases, taking its total to 192.
Both The Mall and Department of Immigration and National Registration clusters each recorded 10 new infections.
In addition, the Al-Falah/Freda Radin schools and energy solutions provider Aker clusters registered six new cases each.
Two clusters — Brunei Shell Petroleum headquarters and Cluster 583 — added five more infections.
Four new cases were linked to Cluster 884, while the Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry recorded three new cases.
The Institute of Brunei Technical Education Kuala Belait campus logged one new case.
A total of 74 new cases have not been linked to any of the clusters yet.
Three people are critically ill and another 20 require close observation in the Intensive Care Unit.
There are now 979 active cases in Brunei.
Full story here.
MoFE reactivates drive-thru collection for pensions
11pm | August 19, 2021
The Ministry of Finance and Economy will set up drive-through collection counters for recipients of service and derivative pensions.
The drive-through counters will be open on August 26 and 28 from 7.30am to 2pm at the following locations:
- International Convention Centre, Berakas
- Municipal Department, Belait
- Sports Complex, Tutong
Drive-through collection is not available in Temburong, but recipients can collect their pension by making an appointment at the Treasury Department office in Temburong.
Recipients who are unable to collect their pensions at the designated times, can still make an appointment to pick up their monthly payment.
The public can call 2380822/2383469 (Brunei Muara); 3331597/3335579 (Belait); 4221296 (Tutong); and 5221532 (Temburong) for more information.
Vast majority of active cases unvaccinated
5.10pm | August 19, 2021
The health minister said about 95 percent of the 790 active cases were either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
Among the 15 COVID-19 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, only one is double-jabbed.
Since Brunei began its vaccine rollout on April 3, 38.7 percent of the population have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Some 13.7 percent of Brunei residents are now fully vaccinated after completing their two-dose regimen.
Full story here.
Daily COVID-19 cases exceed 100 for first time
4.47pm | August 19, 2021
Brunei’s daily COVID-19 cases hit another record high of 190 infections on Thursday, bringing its total tally to 1,136, the health minister said during the press briefing.
YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said 40 of the new cases were reported overnight, while most of the new infections were confirmed from outstanding swab tests that were sent to Singapore for processing.
Among the new cases, the Champion 7 oil field cluster reported the largest jump in number of cases with 98 infections.
Six new cases were linked to the Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait cluster, which remains the largest active cluster.
Three clusters — Brunei Shell Petroleum headquarters, energy solutions provider Aker and Al-Falah/Freda Radin schools — each recorded five new infections.
Both the Institute of Brunei Technical Education Kuala Belait campus and The Mall clusters registered four new cases each.
Other new cases were linked to Cluster 477 (3 cases), Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry (2 cases), Dragon Boat rowing team (1 case) and Cluster 573 (1 case).
The ministry has also identified five new infections that were linked to Case 583.
The source of infection for 51 of the new cases are still being investigated.
Three people are in critical condition, while 12 people require intensive care.
Full story here.
New mobile COVID-19 testing lab to start operations on Aug 19
5.39pm | August 18, 2021
The health ministry is expected to ramp up COVID-19 testing after engaging the services of Chinese company BGI to set up a new mobile testing laboratory at the BRIDEX International Conference Centre in Jerudong.
The testing facility, named Brunei COVID-19 AirLab, can process up to 5,000 swab tests a day once it starts operations on August 19, Health Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said during a press briefing.
Brunei is currently facing a backlog of swab samples due to its limited testing capacity.
The minister said once the laboratories clear the backlog of swab tests, the number of daily COVID-19 cases will give a “true picture” of the outbreak as some of the infections were not based on test results from the past 24 hours.
Moreover, the ministry plans to turn Tutong’s Mahad Islam Brunei college into another makeshift facility that can accommodate more asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 cases.
Some COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms have been transferred to the National Service Programme (PKBN) training camp since last weekend.
Full story here.
Brunei reports highest number of daily COVID-19 cases
4.59pm | August 18, 2021
The number of daily COVID-19 cases reached a record high of 94 infections on Wednesday, bringing the cumulative confirmed cases to 946.
The health ministry has identified another new cluster in Belait — Lorong Tengah cluster with three new cases.
Twenty-two of the new infections were linked to the Champion 7 oil field cluster, while the Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait cluster added 16 more cases.
The Brunei Shell Petroleum headquarters cluster reported eight new cases, while the Dragon Boat rowing team cluster recorded six new infections.
Three clusters — Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry, energy solutions provider Aker and Institute of Brunei Technical Education Kuala Belait campus each registered two new cases.
Other new cases were linked to the Department of Immigration and National Registration (1 case), Star Lodge hotel (1 case) and Cluster 477 (1 case).
The ministry has yet to determine the source of infection for 30 of the new cases.
Three people are in critical condition and another 10 require close observation.
There are now 605 active cases in the country.
Full story here.
All students to resume home-based learning from Aug 18; PSR exams postponed
4.59pm | August 17, 2021
Schools nationwide will resume online teaching and learning from August 18, the education minister announced on Tuesday.
YB Dato Seri Setia Hj Hamzah Hj Sulaiman said all primary and secondary schools, sixth form centres and religious schools will conduct home-based learning until further notice, depending on how the COVID-19 situation unfolds.
During Brunei’s first COVID-19 outbreak last year, students were also required to undergo online learning as schools were shut for three months.
The minister added that the Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (PSR) public exams for primary six pupils will be postponed from October 15 to November 15.
However, the exam dates may change if the COVID-19 outbreak worsens.
The education ministry has yet to decide whether other public exams will be postponed or cancelled, including O-, AS- and A-levels.
Convocation ceremonies for Universiti Brunei Darussalam,, Universiti Teknologi Brunei and Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali will also be postponed.
MoH detects 65 more cases
4.39pm | August 17, 2021
The health ministry has confirmed 65 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, bringing the cumulative tally to 852.
Two clusters have been identified over the past 24 hours – The Mall cluster (10 new cases) and energy solutions provider Aker cluster (3 new cases).
The Champion 7 oil field has added another 11 cases, while Brunei’s largest active cluster at Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait reported nine new infections.
Three new cases have been linked to the Brunei Shell Petroleum headquarters, while the Dragon Boat rowing team cluster recorded two more infections.
Other new cases were linked to the Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry, Semporna Enak, Al-Falah/Freda Radin schools, oil firm TOTAL and 635 clusters, which all recorded one new infection each.
Four new imported cases were also reported — three from Manila and one from Nigeria.
The ministry is still investigating the source of infection for 18 of the new cases.
Two people are critically ill and seven people are under close observation.
Full story here.
Gov’t plans to build makeshift facility next to National Isolation Centre
5.51pm | August 16, 2021
The health minister on Monday said a new makeshift facility will be built next to the National Isolation Centre (NIC) in Tutong to house more COVID-19 patients.
The temporary treatment centre is expected to have a 800-bed capacity, YB Dato Dr Hj Md Isham Hj Jaafar said during the press conference.
“The [facility] will allow COVID-19 patients to be admitted immediately for monitoring.
“We are a bit stretched, so it takes a while [to hospitalise the patients]. Hopefully, we can rectify this by increasing the [bed] capacity in two to three days,” he said.
The minister earlier said more than 20 patients who tested positive for the coronavirus are facing delays in being admitted to the NIC as all beds are occupied and due to manpower shortages.
Last week, the National Service Programme (PKBN) training camp has also been turned into a makeshift healthcare facility for asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 cases.
Full story here.
Tens of millions set to be spent on COVID-19 fight
5.18pm | August 16, 2021
The government is projected to spend tens of millions of dollars to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak but the second minister of finance and economy warned that expenses might rise further in the second wave of infections.
“Early estimates show that this year’s expenses are far more than last year,” YB Dato Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said during the COVID-19 press briefing on Monday.
The minister said the government has yet to decide on what will be spent using the COVID-19 Relief Fund.
To date, the COVID-19 Relief Fund has raised over $977,081.
Full story here.
64 more coronavirus cases reported
4.33pm | August 16, 2021
Another 64 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the past 24 hours, the health ministry announced on Monday.
Two new clusters have emerged – Cluster 635 (2 new cases) and SKH Gadong cluster (2 new cases), bringing the total number of active clusters to 17.
The Semporna Enak and Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait clusters recorded 10 new infections each.
In addition, the Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry and Champion 7 oil field each added four more cases.
Three new cases were linked to the Brunei Shell Petroleum headquarters cluster, while Al-Falah/Freda Radin schools cluster registered two new infections.
Both the Cluster 477 and Institute of Brunei Technical Education Kuala Belait cluster reported one new case.
The source of infection for 24 of the new cases are unknown.
Two patients are critically ill and five people are now under observation. None of the Intensive Care Unit patients are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
There are now 451 active cases, while the cumulative confirmed infections reached 787.
Full story here.
Virology labs struggle to keep up with demand for COVID testing
6.10pm | August 15, 2021
The scale of the current outbreak has created a backlog in processing swab samples, said the health minister, with labs struggling to catch up with the demand for COVID testing.
The government built a new virology lab in March last year increase testing capacity from 1,000 to over 2,000 tests a day, but the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases over the past week has prompted the need to build a new facility that can process up to 8,000 tests per day.
On average, the MoH administered 2,258 tests a day over the past seven days.
YB Dato Dr Hj Md Isham said it is still “too early” to calculate Brunei’s R0 value — the number of people that one infected person will pass on a virus to, on average — because the backlog in test results will not reflect the “real situation” on the ground.
Full story here.
Brunei breaks record of daily cases for third time in a week
5.42pm | August 15, 2021
The health ministry has detected 83 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, the highest number of infections in a single day.
Two new clusters have been been identified and linked to Patient 495 (2 new cases) and 535 (one new case), Health Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said during the press briefing.
The largest active cluster – Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait — added 29 more infections to a total of 131.
Six new cases have been linked to Cluster 477, while four were connected to the Department of Immigration and National Registration.
In addition, the Champion 7 oil field cluster reported another three new infections.
Both the Brunei Shell Petroleum headquarters cluster and Cluster 535 reported one new case each.
Four new cases were imported from Manila and 32 of the new cases are currently unlinked.
Two patients remain in critical condition and another two require close observation.
Full story here.
Jubli Emas Health Centre to be turned into vaccination centre
3.48pm | August 15, 2021
Starting from August 17, members of the public can now get their COVID-19 jab at the Jubli Emas Health Centre in Kg Bunut.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Health said the public must book an appointment via the BruHealth mobile app before they can receive the vaccine.
Individuals who have reserved a vaccination appointment are advised to turn up one hour before their scheduled time to avoid overcrowding.
The Jubli Emas vaccination centre will operate from Monday to Thursday and Saturday at 8am to 2pm.
Other healthcare services provided at the Jubli Emas Health Centre will be moved to Jubli Perak Sengkurong Health Centre, including the General Clinic, Maternal and Child Health Clinic, phlebotomy and pharmacy services.
Full story here.
Sukarelawan Belia calls for volunteers
9.41pm | August 14, 2021
Sukarelawan Belia is urgently recruiting volunteers to assist in the government’s pandemic response:
Contact tracing team – PHEOC level 2 MOH HQ
12 volunteers needed
Working hours: One day off every two days
Monitoring team – Level 1, MOH HQ
6 volunteers needed
Working hours: Half day on weekdays, full days on Saturday/Sunday
Prep team for mobile swabbers – SPOC
18 volunteers needed for admin, logistics
Working hours: Shifts with days off but must be willing to work nights
Volunteers will need to be available to report for duty ASAP.
Over 90% of COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic or mild
4.59pm | August 14, 2021
Some 93 percent of the active COVID-19 cases have been categorised as either asymptomatic or mild, Health Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said on Saturday.
There are currently 307 active cases.
The minister said patients will be classified into five categories based on the severity of their illness.
Asymptomatic and mild cases will be transferred to a makeshift facility at the National Service Programme (PKBN) training camp for treatment as beds at the National Isolation Centre in Tutong are fully occupied.
The temporary treatment centre at PKBN can accommodate 600 to 700 patients, YB Dato Dr Hj Mohd Isham added.
Full story here.
Brunei adds 42 new COVID-19 cases
4.28pm | August 14, 2021
Forty-two new COVID-19 cases were recorded on Saturday, the health ministry announced in a press briefing.
Two new clusters have emerged at the Brunei Shell Petroleum headquarters and Institute of Brunei Technical Education Kuala Belait campus.
Seven of the new cases were linked to the Department of Immigration and National Registration.
The Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry and Champion 7 oil field clusters each reported four new cases.
The Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait cluster added three more cases.
Three clusters – Semporna Enak workers’ quarters, oil firm TOTAL and Al-Falah-Freda Radin schools — each reported one new infection.
The ministry is still investigating the source of infection of 15 new cases.
The cumulative COVID-19 tally stands at 640.
Full story here.
MoH announces vaccination programme for pregnant women
7.08pm | August 13, 2021
The health ministry will kick off a vaccination programme for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers on Monday, August 16, 2021.
In a statement, MoH said the World Health Organization recommends the use of the Moderna vaccine in pregnant women “when the benefits of vaccination to the pregnant woman outweigh the potential risks.”
Early data from ongoing studies did not identify any adverse outcomes for pregnant women or for their babies, the ministry added.
“In view of the community spread of COVID-19 infection in the country currently, the Ministry of Health is urging pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers to be vaccinated in order to protect themselves and their babies.”
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers (including those under specialist clinics) who wish to be vaccinated can contact their nearest maternal and child Health clinics or email them as follows.
For Brunei-Muara and Temburong residents, vaccinations will be carried out at the Indoor Stadium. For Belait and Tutong, the vaccination will be carried out at Suri Seri Begawan Hospital and Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital respectively.
Full story here.
With NIC near capacity, gov’t plans to turn PKBN into isolation centre
6.43pm | August 13, 2021
On Friday, the bed occupancy rate at the National Isolation Centre reached 90 percent with 268 active cases.
At the current growth rate of COVID-19 cases, all 296 beds at the NIC are expected to be occupied by Saturday.
To address the bed shortage, preparations are in full swing to set up a makeshift facility to accommodate asymptomatic patients and those with mild symptoms at the National Service Programme (PKBN) training camp, the health minister said.
Patients who are in a good condition will be transferred to the temporary treatment centre on the eighth day of their hospitalisation.
“This is to ensure the Tutong [hospital] is for moderate to serious cases with more doctors,” he said.
Full story here.
BruHealth introduces quarantine alert feature
6.18pm | August 13, 2021
Close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases will get notifications requiring them to undergo a 14-day quarantine via a new BruHealth app feature, the health minister announced on Friday.
The Digital Quarantine Order feature will facilitate the monitoring of close contacts, including tracking their whereabouts, allowing close contacts to report their daily health status and request for food deliveries.
Starting from Friday, the digital quarantine alerts will reduce the need for written quarantine orders issued to close contacts, said YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar.
Full story here.
MoH detects 55 new COVID-19 cases
5.35pm | August 13, 2021
The health ministry has reported a new daily high of 55 coronavirus cases on Friday, bringing the total tally to 598.
During the press briefing, Health Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said two new clusters have been identified and were linked to Patients 451 (3 cases) and 477 (2 cases).
Brunei’s largest active COVID-19 cluster — Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait — added another 16 new infections.
Three new cases were linked to the Department of Immigration and National Registration.
Anyone who developed symptoms after visiting the immigration service counters at Bandar Seri Begawan from August 2-9 are advised to get tested and seek treatment.
Other new cases were connected to Cluster 499 (3 cases), Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry cluster (2 cases), oil firm TOTAL cluster (2 cases) and Champion 7 oil field cluster (1 case).
The source of infection for 22 of the new cases are still being investigated.
Full story here.
Gov’t shortens working hours to reduce risk
8.40pm | August 12, 2021
In light of the rising number of COVID-19 cases, the Civil Service has amended government working hours for those required to work from the office.
Starting Friday (Aug 13), office hours will be from 8am to 2pm, similar to working hours during the month of ramadan.
The directive applies to all ministries, government agencies and statutory bodies.
“This will reduce the risk of infection and will provide additional protection to essential workers,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
The directive is an update to the government’s business continuity plan, which outlines flexible working arrangements for those able to work from home, while trying to reduce risk for people who must still report to the office.
MoFE extends fiscal measures to help businesses
5.40pm | August 12, 2021
The Ministry of Finance and Economy has announced revised fiscal measures to help businesses cope with the economic impact of COVID-19, including wage subsidy, utilities subsidy and social security contributions.
Similar to interim measures announced in March last year, the government will pay 25 percent of local workers’ wages in the private sector until the end of December.
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in badly-hit sectors will be allowed to defer Employees Trust Fund (TAP) and Supplementary Contributory Pension for local workers earning $1,500 and below.
These measures only apply to MSMEs with 100 employees or fewer.
Companies that qualify for the TAP and SCP contribution deferment are required to repay the government within one year after the deferral period, which starts from August 13 to December 31, 2021.
MSMEs will further enjoy a 20 percent cut on water and electricity bills.
In addition, the government has waived the customs duty for personal hygiene products.
MoH confirms 49 new cases, 2 in critical condition
5.02pm | August 12, 2021
The health ministry has detected 49 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, raising the cumulative confirmed cases to 543.
In a press briefing, Health Minister YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Isham Hj Jaafar said three new clusters have been identified — Dragon Boat cluster (6 cases), Champion 7 offshore field cluster (3 cases) and Cluster 499 (3 cases).
The Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait cluster remains the largest active cluster, growing to 83 cases after 21 new infections were reported.
The minister said two patients are in critical condition, while another two are under close observation.
There are now 218 active cases receiving treatment at the National Isolation Centre.
YB Dato Dr Hj Isham also called on retired and private healthcare professionals to step forward as volunteers to help the ministry battle against its most serious COVID-19 outbreak yet.
Full story here.