Outdoor masking is no longer required, according to Brunei's Minister of Home Affairs

[ASEAN NOW Content Team]

 

Face masks are no longer required to be worn outside in Brunei, according to Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar Apong, but they are still recommended in crowded places and during public meetings.

The decision was made, according to the minister, because of a decrease in Covid-19 infection rates along with a high national immunisation rate.
Inside public places, however, masks will still be necessary, he stressed.

According to Dr Awang Abu Bakar, limitations would be eased for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, with private households allowed to host a maximum of 30 guests for indoor activities and 200 guests for outdoor events.

 

"The reintroduction of mass gathering restrictions to those previous to the onset of the third wave would enable us to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri more pleasantly and safely," the minister stated, noting that the epidemic had been brought under control.

He also encouraged people to "take an antigen quick test before visiting relatives, wear face masks except when eating and drinking, avoid shaking hands and visiting in groups, and stay at home if they are sick."

 

The Covid-19 Steering Committee's amended rules have also been extended until May 31 with the permission of His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, according to the ministry.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Mohd Isham Jaafar clarified the importance of (RT-PCR) swab testing for travellers, stating that "the need to conduct the RT-PCR swab test prior to departure is dependent on the regulations provided by the destination country."