Premier Su Tseng-chang on Tuesday visited the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) and announced that enhanced COVID-19 prevention measures will be put in place through June 8. The measures—to be stronger, faster and wider in scope—will be implemented stringently and thoroughly to prevent further outbreaks. The premier strongly encouraged members of the public to get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and the community at large.
Around the world, countries are seeing another surge of COVID-19 infections. Nearly 160 million people have been confirmed infected and more than 3.3 million have died. Taiwan has not escaped the latest wave—it has recently seen many types of cases imported from abroad, and on Monday recorded new infections of unknown origin in Yilan and New Taipei, Premier Su said.
Affirming the nation's hard work over the past year plus, the premier thanked the public for supporting the government's policies. He also expressed confidence in Taiwan's ability to safeguard itself in the face of the global pandemic. On the other hand, the nation must act pre-emptively and work with greater determination to fight this latest pandemic wave. He urged everyone to comply with CECC guidelines and follow all measures carefully.
Disease prevention measures will be imposed on the high-speed rail, regular railways, metro systems and other means of public transit. Eating and drinking will be banned in certain venues and large halls, for instance, and plans to rent or borrow these venues will be suspended or postponed. All central and local government agencies must make safety and disease prevention priority one, imposing the same standards and complying with all guidelines on performances, performing art venues, and other events that may be affected, Premier Su said.