Brunei recorded 153 new positive cases of COVID-19 on Friday, announced the Minister of Health.
With this new development, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country increased to 142,465.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Md Isham Hj Jaafar also revealed that out of the total number of new cases, 16 were detected through rapid RT-PCR testing and 137 were detected through ART testing.
The number of new cases is the result of 550 laboratory tests conducted in the past 24 hours.
Moreover, 91 individuals have recovered from the infection. To date, the country has recorded a total of 141,631 recoveries.
Currently, there are 648 active cases in the country.
It was also reported that 9 active cases are currently treated in hospitals and hospitals. Whereas, a total of 639 positive cases are currently undergoing home self-isolation
One case under Category 4 has been admitted for close monitoring and requires the aid of oxygen assistance.
Moreover, there are no cases in Category 5.
Meanwhile, one death associated with COVID-19 has been recorded in the past 24 hours and is not categorised as a death due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccination status
“In regards to the country’s COVID-19 vaccination status, to date, 65.8 percent of the nation’s population has received three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine,” said the minister.
The minister also shared 53.0 per cent of children aged 5 to 11 years old have received their first vaccination.
“A total of 1,133 doses of vaccine were given to children aged 5 to 11 years old which brings the total number of vaccinations administered to 22,753 doses,” he stated.
Whereas, a total of 359 second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered to children aged 5 to 11 years old which brings the total second dose administered to children in this age group to 2,384 doses which are 5.6 per cent.
“Parents and guardians of children between the ages of 5 and 11 years old who have received the first dose and are at the right time to receive the second dose are welcome to bring their children for their second dose to complete the COVID-19 vaccination for children in this age group,” the Minister said.
“The administration of COVID-19 vaccine to these children has been shown to provide protection against the adverse effects of COVID-19 including “multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children” (MIS-C),” he further explained.
Following the stable and controlled situation of COVID-19 in the country, the Minister of Health announced that starting today, 07 May 2022, several swab centres in the Brunei & Muara District and Tutong District will be closed.
The swab centres to be closed are:
i. Bridex Drive-Thru Swab Centre;
ii. Berakas Health Centre Swab Centre;
iii. Pengkalan Batu Health Centre Swab Centre; and
iv. Sg Kelugos Health Centre Swab Centre.
“Members of the public in these two districts who require the service can obtain it at the Sports Complex Swab Centre, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleh Hospital,” said the minister.
In addition, starting on 7 May 2022, swab testing for those who wish to exit Brunei Darussalam and those who have just arrived in the country (inbound and outbound travelers) will be fully implemented by accredited private clinics and will no longer be conducted at Government swab centres.
THE BRUNEIAN
