Preparations underway in Brunei for life in new normal

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network): The Steering Committee for Covid-19 will make preparations to move into the Early Endemic Phase, during which control measures will continue to be scaled down to pave the way for daily life in the new normal.

This was said by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Mohd Amin Liew (pic) at Sunday's (Dec 12) press conference in support of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s titah on Saturday to announce that the Sultanate will enter the Endemic Phase, under the National Covid-19 Recovery Framework on Dec 15.

“With this announcement,” the minister said, “it is hoped that sufficient time will be accorded to stakeholders to make logistical preparations prior to the start of these de-escalations, particularly the adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines agreed by the Steering Committee for Covid-19”.

He also urged the public against complacency in the upcoming phase by continuing to comply with the SOPs, such as physical distancing, conforming to venue capacity limits, wearing of face mask, maintaining cleanliness and use of the BruHealth app, adding that the use of antigen rapid test (ART) prior to entering premises is encouraged.

This was echoed by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Abu Bakar Apong at the daily press conference.

He believed that the country is able to move to the Endemic Phase due in large part to public cooperation in observing all the measures in place.

“The success proves that we played our role in carrying out social responsibilities,” he said, adding that it needs to continue in the next phase instead of “feeling overjoyed by the accomplishment”.

Meanwhile, as part of the Early Endemic Phase, Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew said the populace will be allowed entry into government and private premises or attend events, regardless of vaccination status.

However, he added, “unvaccinated individuals are required to undergo testing with the ART kit, for which the validity period of the result is two days; and children under 18, who have not received or completed their vaccination schedule are allowed to enter premises without prior testing provided that they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult”.

Meanwhile, for mass and private gatherings, the capacity limit will be 75 per cent or no more than 300 persons, whichever has the lesser number, whereas buffets at functions and restaurants remain off limit, except for dome serving, although the distribution of take-home packaged meals is encouraged, said Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Mohd Amin Liew.

“All indoor and outdoor sports, fitness and recreational facilities are allowed to operate at 75 per cent capacity or no more than 300 persons, whichever is the lower number,” he said, adding that non-contact sports and contact sports for skills training are allowed but competitions are prohibited.

The minister also announced the extension of Operasi Peralihan, a directive to the public to stay at home between 10pm and 4am, to Jan 14, 2022.