New Measures Implemented as Virus Alert Raised to Level 3 in Taiwan
United Daily News, May 16, 2021
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic situation took a downturn as a spike of 180 confirmed cases were reported in Taiwan on May 15, 2021, in which 164 cases were in the municipalities Taipei and New Taipei. The Executive Yuan announced on May 16 that the virus in these two cities were raised to level 3. Experts pointed out that our disease prevention policy was at a watershed moment and the prevention measures should turn from external blockade to internal control.
The number of locally transmitted cases reached three digits, and the cases are concentrated in 8 counties and cities north of Changhua. The test positivity rates at fast screening stations in Wanhua District of Taipei reached 10 percent and 132 cases are still waiting to sort out the source of infection.
In view of the virus outbreak, the Executive Yuan announced on May 16 that the level 3 alert was effective immediately until May 28. The nine-point alert guidelines are to be followed strictly, though the offices remain open, there will be a mask mandate when leaving home and indoor gatherings of more than five people and outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. Public venues are to be closed except those for living necessity, maintaining order, necessary services, medical and official businesses.
Additionally, religious activities such as pilgrimages are prohibited nationwide. Temples, churches and similar facilities are close until June 8. Those who wish to worship can only do so outdoors with mask on and in compliance with contact information registration and social distancing rules.
Under the level 3 alert, President Tsai Ing-wen instructed the government to utilize maximum disinfection capacity and minimum intrusion of daily life to control this wave of outbreak. She asked residents of Taipei and New Taipei to exercise “self-health monitoring” by checking whether there is fever or respiratory symptoms. Citizens without symptoms should refrain from going to the screening station, but if symptoms occur, citizens should seek immediate medical attention.
Spokesman Lo Ping-cheng of the Executive Yuan, said that prohibited gatherings of more than five people indoors and 10 people outdoors only meant family and social gatherings, they didn’t include going to work (or schools). The government offices also remain functional under level 3 alert.
The municipal governments of Taipei and New Taipei both announced on May 17 that high schools and vocational schools and all lower schools are closed between May 18 to May 28, including cram schools and daycare centers.
Public venues should be closed under level 3 alert including exhibition halls, movie theaters, stadiums, music halls, activities centers, indoor skating rinks, indoor swimming pools and amusement parks. Educational facilities also should be closed including community colleges, senior learning centers, study centers, social educational institutes, and senior meal-sharing educational and learning activity centers.
The health care system responded to the outbreak by increasing dedicated patient wards, implementing isolation and triage measures in hospitals, setting up outdoor screening stations, applying telemedicine to outpatients and launching emergency responsibility hospitals. The whole nation should reduce in-district travel.
As for public transportation, Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-tsai stated that all public transportation depots should sanitize every hour and the no-food zone should be expanded from in-carriage to waiting areas. The public transportation system will not implement contact information registration but will enhance the disinfection management of all major stations.
To the possible impact on stock and foreign exchange markets, Premier Su Tseng-chang said in a press conference that he wished these markets maintain normal function and the rigorous enforcement of the disinfection measures will minimize the impact on economy. Deputy Minister of Finance Juan Ching-hwa stated that his ministry would continue to monitor the fluctuations of the stock and foreign exchange markets, if necessary, the ministry would not rule out the possibility of holding national stability fund emergency meeting to discuss countermeasures.
Update: The CECC announced on May 20 that the epidemic alert was raised to level 3 nationwide until May 28.
From:
https://udn.com/news/story/122173/5460830
https://udn.com/news/story/122173/5460839