Travellers arriving in Brunei are no longer subjected to airport testing

Using an antigen rapid test (ART) kit, incoming guests, including returning citizens and residents, can now complete the required three-day Covid screening at home or at a hotel instead of at the Brunei International Airport.

Those who refuse to take the test will be prosecuted under the Infectious Diseases Act's Section 62. (A).

During his daily press briefing on Tuesday, Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Mohd Isham Jaafar disclosed the latest method for reducing airport congestion.

"A review of how ART is handled for all passengers was done by the Ministry of Health.

"As a result, passengers will execute ART when they arrive at their homes or lodgings.”

"Each passenger will be given three ART kits to use on day one, day two, and day three," the minister stated, adding that the results must be reported to the BruHealth app.

"Any passenger entering the country would have their BruHealth colour code changed to red right away," said Dr Mohd Isham. Passengers who use the BruHealth app to submit negative ART test results will receive a day ticket that allows them to visit any place in the country."

According to Section 62(A) of Chapter 204 of the Infectious Diseases Act, failure to comply with the order may result in legal action.

In light of the news, the minister urged the public to support on-going efforts to reduce airport congestion and to follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs).

"Travellers must test for Covid-19 using ART or PCR before flying to Brunei Darussalam, which is why they can do it at home or in the hotel."

According to him, if a passenger fails to complete the exam and upload the findings to the BruHealth app, their code will turn red, preventing them from entering the country.