Brunei to end early endemic phase on 31 May 2022

The Early Endemic Phase under the National COVID-19 Recovery Framework ending on 31 May 2022 will be ceased.

This new development was announced by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy at a recent press briefing.

The guidelines for COVID-19 control measures have been updated and will be effective starting 1 June 2022.

The revised rules include:

1. no limitation on the capacity of mass gatherings, regardless of location, i.e. either at home or halls;

2. all sporting activities including competitions or matches are allowed with no limitation on the number of spectators;

3. food preparation for any event at any premises is allowed without any restrictions including buffet meals; 4. No age restriction for all congregations at mosques to perform the Friday and fivetime fardhu prayers. Therefore, children under 12 years old are also allowed to attend. However, the condition to use their own prayer mats is maintained.

Moreover, YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew also announced the updated health advice such as

• Face masks should be worn in public buildings

• The use of face masks outdoors is encouraged especially in crowded places

• The use of ART testing is encouraged prior to attend events and when not feeling well/ symptomatic

• Body temperature checks to enter premises are no longer required

The minister said that the changes were due to the stable situation of daily COVID-19 infections in the country.

“Vaccination rates for the third dose (both adults and teenagers) including children are high; as well as severe cases and bed occupancy rates at isolation centres are low. To this end, we are able to return to our daily lives by adapting to the new normal,” he said.

He added that citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam who wish to travel abroad are required to obtain travel medical insurance prior to their departure.

“For the purpose of not only protecting themselves from medical costs due to COVID-19 infection but also to cover other costs including treatment of other diseases and loss of baggage, in the event of any unforeseen circumstances,” said YB Dato Hj Mohd Amin Liew.

As it is known, other countries have also started to reduce restrictions including eliminating code scanning prior to entering premises as well as opening borders, he added.

The COVID-19 Steering Committee is currently monitoring and reviewing several requirements, namely the implementation of weekly ART testing for officers and staff in government and private sectors; BruHealth QR code scanning; the opening of land and sea borders; and predeparture swab tests.

The outcome of these evaluations, subject to the current situation, will be announced to the public later, concluded the minister.