Brunei reports first Covid-19 deaths in over a year

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Mohd Isham Jaafar joining in a prayer. - BB

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network): Two local Covid-19 cases passed away from lung infections on Tuesday (Aug 24), bringing the number of Covid-related fatalities in Brunei to five, the first deaths in more than a year.

The grim news was announced by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Mohd Isham Jaafar, who stated, “The Ministry of Health (MoH) wishes to inform the public that two confirmed cases of Covid-19 have returned to the grace and mercy of Allah the Almighty.”

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah was also present.

Dato Seri Setia Dr Mohd Isham disclosed that the first patient, known as Case 609 of Covid-19 in Brunei Darussalam, was an 85-year-old local woman who was admitted to the National Isolation Centre (NIC) in Tutong District on Aug 14.

Meanwhile, the second patient, known as Case 1629, was a 69-year-old year local man who was admitted to the NIC on Aug 22.

“Both patients suffered from lung infections, after being infected with Covid-19,” said Dr Mohd Isham.

“The MoH will not share the personal details of the deceased to protect and respect their privacy, as well as the confidentiality of both patients’ families. The public is also requested to show respect and not to disseminate information relating to both patients.”

He added, “In representing the MoH, as well as the people, I wish to convey my deepest condolences to their families. May their souls receive blessings from Allah the Almighty, and may they be placed among the pious.”