Since the 22nd of November 2021, the Ministry of Health has had its own capability to perform gene sequencing on positive cases detected in Brunei Darussalam, which is a laboratory method used to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants in the country. According to the Minister of Health, as of 26th of December 2021, gene sequencing has been performed on 252 samples of which 244 were found to be the Delta variant while 8 samples were the Omicron variant including 7 cases of the Omicron variant that were newly confirmed yesterday.

All the Omicron variant cases detected in the country are cases imported from abroad, while the Delta variant cases comprised local and foreign cases. In this regard, the Ministry of Health advised the public NOT to be alarmed with the detection of the Omicron variant cases in the country. The preventive and control measures for any of the COVID-19 variants are similar.

Therefore, continue to take precautions such as wearing face masks, washing hands regularly, practicing physical distancing and avoid going to crowded places. It is important for anyone who has completed two doses of vaccine to get a third dose injection or a booster dose as soon as they are eligible to receive it which is three months after the second dose is obtained. Scientific studies have found that giving a third dose or a booster dose can increase the body's resistance or immunity to COVID-19 infections, including the Omicron variant. For the movement restrictions that was carried out recently from 10 last night until 4 yesterday morning, 1 violation of the directive nationwide was issued with a compound fine for violation of the directive to stay at home.

Source:
RTB NEWS

by RTB News

If you have any stories or news that you would like to share with the global online community, please feel free to share it with us by contacting us directly at [email protected]