BY James Kon

Brunei Darussalam detected 153 new COVID-19 cases on Friday.

Of these, 137 were results of antigen rapid tests (ART) while 16 were from RT-PCR laboratory tests performed in the past 24 hours.

With the new detections, the national tally of confirmed cases is now 142,465.

The latest updates on the COVID-19 situation in the Sultanate was shared by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar at on Friday’s daily press conference. One fatality was reported and categorised as not COVID-19 related.

This was the first fatality since April 17.

In light of the passing, the minister said, “Representing the Ministry of Health (MoH) as well as the people of Brunei Darussalam, we express our deepest condolences to the deceased’s family.

“May they be given patience and strength in seeing the passing.”

He added that there are currently no cases in Category 5, which are those requiring treatment in the intensive care unit.

However, one case in Category 4 requires oxygen assistance and is under close monitoring.

Meanwhile, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said 91 cases have recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 141,631.

The total number of active cases is now at 648 with nine cases being treated at hospitals, whereas 639 are on self-isolating at home.

Also in attendance was Permanent Secretary at the MoH Haji Maswadi bin Haji Mohsin.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin