Covid-19, the unwelcome visitor

The last time I blogged was the tail end of January. We had moved into our new apartment at Aman Hill on January 29th All was going well until Covid-19 introduced itself to our world! Our normal way of living was ripped from us and a new normal was created! I really didn't want to give IT any mention inially, however, it's now September and the whole world is still in captivity of Covid-19! COVID-19..........As of March 14th, Schools, and other buildings in Brunei are now closed until further notice. What I’m upset about is why has Boris Johnson (U.K. Prime Minister) not taken action re: School and large gatherings? Brunei had 37 cases and 0 deaths, whilst U.K. has 1143 and 21 deaths???? March 15th, Swimming pools and gyms were closed As from March 16th, Brunei closed its borders and airport. First day of staying indoors as a Total LOCKDOWN in Brunei Darussalam was announced on Thursday 19th March 2020 (there were now 68 COVID-19 cases) It is now official that the globe is in a PANDEMIC! 1. Anyone on isolation are reminded to adhere to the order and will be under quarantine order by law 2. Ensure ALL to adhere to Ministry Of Health (MOH) advice and directives. Social responsibility such as social distancing is a MUST. 3. All Night Stalls will be closed 4. Weekly Tamu / market will also close 5. All Food Premises - No dining in BUT take away only 6. Bowling close 7. Visitors are banned from China, Iran and all European countries except Brunei Citizens. The exception are PR, foreigners with green IC, foreigners with Employment Pass, students and dependent pass, and British forces and dependents 8. Jerudong Park playground, garden and amphitheatre will be closed Food court Jerudong continues to open BUT take away only 9. Closure of all sports facilities Eg Gym, golf courses, cinemas etc Come on Boris Johnson, get you finger out and take heed of what is happening in Italy and act NOW! On March 28th, The Sultan confirmed the 1st death in Brunei (a 64 year old Bruneian man, who fell ill after his return from Kuala Lumpur and Cambodia at the beginning of March 😔🙏🏾 The wearing of face mask is new territory to most people around the globe and so is Social Distancing. The people in Brunei adhere and adapt swiftly unto these new normal habits but alas, not so in other part of the world!!! New signs are being erected regarding Social Distancing Another new 'Normal' is Zoom! Most employees are working from home via Zoom and others have been furloughed. Several world leaders were slow in reacting to the situation thus putting their citizens at risk and the death rate continues to rise quickly May 3rd, we decided to drive over the new bridge (Temburong bridge) It was officially opened on March 17th 2020 and is the longest bridge in South East Asia (30 km long) and cost $1.7 Billion BHD Below is the South China Sea May 19th, our apartment’s small gym has re-opened 😃 but alas, the swimming pool is still closed 😞 May 24th, our first meal at a restaurant since LOCKDOWN Had to fill in the daily health app and scan it at the restaurant. Only those with the app with green or yellow zone and booking allowed at any given time. No more than 30% of diners. June 16th, the country’s third death from Covid-19