BY James Kon

Brunei Darussalam saw a spike of COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 153,611. Some 518 new cases were recorded, 513 of which were detected through antigen rapid tests (ARTs) and five from 643 RT-PCR laboratory tests performed in the past 24 hours.

This was revealed by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar at a press conference on Monday.

He said the daily number of cases will rise and fall but the focus should be on cases in Category 4 and 5 as these patients have a bigger impact on the Sultanate’s healthcare system. He added that the daily case numbers are part of Brunei’s reports to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the increase in cases can be attributed due to the increase in the movement of people.

The minister reminded the public to carry out ART regularly and to self-isolate if tested positive.

Some 317 cases were declared recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 150,550 while there are 2,836 active cases, with 23 undergoing treatment in hospitals and 2,813 on home self-isolation.

There is one case in Category 5 requiring treatment in intensive care unit and one case in Category 4 under close monitoring, requiring respiratory assistance.

With the vaccination centres not operating on Sunday, the inoculation statistics remain unchanged from the announcement made during the June 12 press conference. Children aged five to 11 with one and two doses are 83.9 per cent and 67.5 per cent. The coverage rate of Brunei population with three shots of COVID-19 vaccine is 71.8 per cent.

As announced on June 9, the press conference on COVID updates will be held weekly on Mondays and daily statistics will be posted on the Ministry of Health’s website and other platforms.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin