Premier Su Tseng-chang on Thursday received a briefing from the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the current state of the coronavirus outbreak and responses, after which he said that now is the time to turn the full resources of the nation to this new round of disease prevention and economic relief. The top priority in the face of the present dire threat is to break the chain of transmission, the premier said. He expressed confidence that by working together, the people of Taiwan would successfully achieve this to navigate the outbreak and restore the nation to peace and health.
The primary strategy for breaking the chain of infection is to minimize the movement of people, said Premier Su. Examples include such measures as remote learning for students, restaurants restricted to carry-out service only, moratoriums on events and gatherings, and effective controls on visitors to markets, stores and similar establishments. Avoiding unnecessary trips outside the home is also important.
Certain types of entertainment businesses present particularly difficult challenges to disease prevention and frequently emerge as epidemic hotspots, the premier said. In response, the Central Epidemic Command Center announced the indefinite closure of such establishments on May 15. Violations of this order are subject to severe punishments.
As for materials, Taiwan has been quite successful in supplying sufficient masks; however, the manufacture of protective clothing and ventilators must continue to expand, Premier Su said. He also directed ministries and agencies to provide assistance with the allocation, express delivery and transportation of such items.
In addition, the government will continue expanding the numbers of COVID-19 designated hospitals and beds, centralized quarantine centers, and quarantine hotels. Testing capacity will also be increased. Assistance will be provided to help local governments report confirmed cases with greater efficiency and treat or quarantine patients more quickly, the premier said.
Premier Su thanked everyone from all corners of Taiwan who persevered in their posts while contributing quietly and working hard to fight this obstinate pandemic. They represent the positive force that helps maintain order in people's lives and society as a whole. As everyone is in the same boat, the premier urged the entire nation to unite together in the battle against COVID-19 and do their personal part in ending the chain of transmission and alleviating the pressure on frontline personnel. Perhaps Taiwan can once more turn crisis into opportunity and suppress the disease as it has over the past year and more.