MEDIA STATEMENT

ON THE CURRENT SITUATION OF COVID-19

IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

01 Rabiulawal 1443 / 08 October 2021

 

1.          Today, Friday, 01 Rabiulawal 1443 / 08 October 2021, two hundred and two (202) new cases of COVID-19 infections have been confirmed bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases to 8,464.

  1. There are 63 additional new cases to 13 of the existing active clusters who were previously close contacts with several positive cases.
  2. Meanwhile, eight new clusters have been detected as currently shown on the screen. All the clusters are private home clusters that involved 59 cases. Two of these clusters are Hasmit Shield Roofing Manufacture Sdn Bhd Cluster and Tauhid Jaya Sdn Bhd Cluster which are residences that house the companies’ employees.
  3. Furthermore, two clusters have been closed following no new detected cases in the cluster for 28 days. The closed clusters are Champion 7 (kapal-kapal lain) Cluster and 2262 Cluster. Therefore, the current total active clusters are 153 clusters.
  4. Meanwhile, 80 new cases are still being investigated to determine the source of the infection.

 

2.          Two hundred and forty-four (244) cases have recovered today bringing the total number of recovered cases in Brunei Darussalam to 6,177 cases, whereas the total number active cases are 2,225 cases.

 

3.          Among the cases being treated at the National Isolation Centre, six cases are in Category 5 and currently treated at the Intensive Care Unit. All of them require assistance of artificial ventilation with three cases requiring the help of additional heart/lung machine (ECMO). Meanwhile, thirty-three (33) cases are categorised in Category 4 that require oxygen assistance and are under close monitoring.

 

4.          In the past 24 hours, a total of 5,469 samples have been tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus which brings the total number of laboratory tests conducted since January 2020 to 394,083 tests.

 

5.          On 07 October 2021, a total of 6,476 individuals have received the COVID-19 vaccine injection. This means that, under the National Vaccination Programme, a total of 323,989 individuals have received the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine which is 71.4% from the total population. Meanwhile, 208,680 individuals have completed the second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine which is 46.0% from the total population.

 

6.          Taking into account the current situation of COVID-19 in Brunei Darussalam especially the management of COVID-19 patients and based on the latest scientific results and guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and patient management practices in several countries, it is hereby informed that commencing today, Friday, 8 October 2021, the Home Isolation Policy for COVID-19 patients is introduced. The content of this policy is a directive to patients who are identified as under Category 1, that is, patients which do not have any symptoms and Category 2a, that is, patients who have only mild symptoms; to undergo self-isolation at home only after obtaining assessment and confirmation from the Ministry of Health. Each COVID-19 patient managed under this policy will be required to undergo the following:

  1. Monitored by the Patient Management Team, Ministry of Health throughout the 14-day self-isolation;
  2. Mandatory to wear a red wristband for the purpose of identifying COVID-19 patients until the end of the isolation period; and
  3. Comply to all the directives from the Ministry of Health and ensure easy contact at any time. Patients who fail or defy in complying with this Home Isolation Policy may be subject to a compound fine of up to BND5,000, under the Infectious Diseases Act (Chapter 204).
     

7.          The Home Isolation Policy is introduced after comprehensive research was conducted to assess the suitability of the implementation of this policy in Brunei Darussalam. Findings  form scientific studies; guidelines from the World Health Organization and similar practices that have been successfully implemented  in several countries have given confidence of the Government that this policy can be implemented safely while providing comfort to patients to remain in their homes throughout the isolation period.

 

. In the meantime, any patients who feel their symptoms worsen while in isolation at home should call the 991 Ambulance Emergency Line immediately so that they can be given treatment as soon as possible.

 

8.          Furthermore, the Ministry of Health would like to inform the public that at this time, the blood supply stock is at a very low level. The Ministry of Health very much welcomes the assistance of the public to donate blood to help patients in need for the purpose of surgery and treatment. Those who wish to donate blood can come the Health Promotion Centre from 8 am to 2 pm during working days by walk-in or by booking through the BloodKad application. Thank you.

  

– END 

Reference    : KK/PR/2

Date         : 30 Safar 1443H / 07 October 2021



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