BY James Kon

Brunei Darussalam recorded 98 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, marking a new low since the peak of the third wave. This brings the national tally of confirmed cases to 141,629.

Speaking at the daily press conference yesterday, Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar said, “Alhamdulillah, as predicted, today we see the number of cases in double digits. However, the public must remember to remain cautious and to wear face masks especially when in crowded spaces. Those who have yet to get the booster shot should do so.

“We acknowledge that while public cooperation is highly crucial, the two doses of the vaccine as well as the booster shot can help to prevent the health system from going under in the third wave.”

The minister added, “The booster dose is encouraged, specifically for those aged 80 and above and non-communicable diseases (NCD) sufferers.”

Of the latest figures, 94 cases were detected through antigen rapid test (ART) kits, and four of the 580 RT-PCR laboratory tests performed over the past 24 hours returned positive.

One Category 5 case is receiving treatment at the intensive care unit, while one Category 4 case is under close monitoring and receiving oxygen assistance.

Meanwhile, 153 recoveries were recorded yesterday, bringing the total number of recovered cases to 140,575.

The number of active cases stands at 836, of which 17 are receiving treatment at hospitals, and 819 are undergoing home self-isolation.

Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong also attended the press conference.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin