Following a briefing by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the current status and response to Taiwan's ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, Premier Su Tseng-chang said that despite recent positive developments, now was not the time to let the nation's guard down. The most pressing task before the government at present is to contain the virus, carry out vaccinations, and administer economic relief, said the premier. Taiwan will maintain vigilance at the border, and vaccination rates will also rise rapidly as supplies arrive and the roll out is expanded.
The government has instituted strict border controls, with arrivals required to quarantine for 14 days and undergo testing at centralized facilities or designated hotels, emphasized Premier Su. Requirements dictate that all must undergo PCR testing upon arrival or check-in for quarantine, test using a home kit within 10 to 12 days of arrival, and then submit to a final PCR test at the end of the quarantine period.
As the outbreak abates, the country's mood is shifting towards easing epidemic restrictions, said Premier Su. Taking the people's livelihood and safety as the top priority, the government will consider the experiences of other nations in quickly putting forth plans while also paying close attention to developing circumstances, with the ultimate goal of returning Taiwan to business as usual.
Ministries and agencies should study in advance the gradual easing of restrictions, Premier Su instructed. These include restrictions on shopping districts and night markets under the purview of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, tourism areas and freeway rest stops under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and farmers association markets and national park food and drink service facilities under the Council of Agriculture and the Ministry of the Interior.
As for COVID-19 vaccines, the premier said more supplies will continue to arrive in Taiwan. The nation's vaccination program will be expanded starting Thursday, and the government will work even harder to ensure vaccines are in place while quickly opening up hospital registrations and vaccination appointments.