In the last four days (April 26-29), Taiwan announced zero new cases of coronavirus. This also took the number of days since a local case (spread through the community, not brought in from abroad) was announced to 16. As things stand, more than 62,000 people have been tested, with Taiwan having 429 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19). There have been six deaths and 311 recoveries.
Since our last update two weeks ago, Taiwan had a small scare and jump in cases as a result of the return of the Panshi navy ship from Palau. However, as ever, the authorities handled the situation exceptionally and it seems the threat of the virus spreading as a result of the sailors’ return is being handled.
The most recent 31 cases of the virus came from a cluster aboard the navy ship. As of Saturday April 25, 1,865 people were listed as having come in contact with the sailors. 534 have been told to self-isolate, while the others have been recommended to practice self-health management. (Read more: You Now Need to Wear a Facemask on Intercity Public Transport in Taiwan)
Yesterday (April 28) marked 100 days since Taiwan launched its Central Epidemic Command Center to combat the spread of coronavirus. It also saw Taiwanese people donate more than one million facemasks to those in need around the world. Taiwan’s response to the pandemic and dedication to help those around the world remains exemplary, regardless of WHO exclusion. (Read more: Dr. Tedros, Taiwan Scene and MyTaiwanTour Welcome You)
With the long weekend approaching, it is suggested that people stay home and do not visit popular tourist areas. Not sure what areas are classed as hot spots? Download the 1968 app to check the volume of people visiting certain places across the country. It updates every ten minutes and has highlighted 234 places that are expected to be especially busy this coming weekend.
Want to visit Taiwan when things go back to normal? Plan your custom tour now.
Want to know more about Taiwan? Send your questions to Taiwan Scene at [email protected].
(cover photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko)