Brunei will start to ease it's covid restrictions from December 15

On Wednesday, December 15, Brunei will enter the endemic phase of its COVID-19 recovery plan, removing remaining limitations on public life.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah remarked in a televised address that the decision to proceed was based on scientific facts and analysis undertaken by the competent institutions.

"The outbreak's consequences have been felt during the last few months.
"The constraints that had to be imposed over time were becoming more difficult to bear," he remarked.

"Mosques, surau, and prayer halls lost contact with us."
Schools and educational institutes have also been forced to close due to the limitations.
The restrictions also had an impact on the economic productivity of businesses and government agencies.
In short, no one was safe from the second wave's assault."

"These restrictions were not imposed arbitrarily," he continued, "but were necessary steps implemented in light of the country's capabilities and readiness."

"In the near future, this disease will not be totally eradicated."
However, this is only a prediction, and no prediction is guaranteed to be correct.
Everything is in Allah's hands alone.
If Allah wishes something, it will undoubtedly come to pass."

The health ministry is slated to hold a press conference on Sunday afternoon to announce the details of the remaining restrictions.

In the endemic phase, the government already declared a progressive relaxation of limitations stated in its COVID-19 recovery plan, including full reopening of public areas and international travel.

"The number of instances is neither certain to diminish or rise in this phase, nor does it mean we have succeeded or not," the sultan remarked.

"Instead, we'll have to emphasise cooperation and consideration among those who live in this new normal."

His Majesty also acknowledged the fear of a new wave of diseases, but claimed that the population had endured significant suffering as a result of stringent movement restrictions.

"In light of the current scenario, and while embracing the reality of a new way of life, it is time for us to take a step ahead in order to minimise disturbance to our quality of life by choosing the path of Allah the Almighty."

Since late October, Brunei's infection rate has been declining, with only 150 COVID cases reported last week, down from an all-time high of 1,880 in mid-October.

Vaccination coverage has now reached 87 percent of the population.

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