The Cabinet on Thursday approved a special bill to combat the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and provide economic relief to affected industries. Drafted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the bill will be forwarded to the Legislature for deliberation.
Premier Su Tseng-chang said the government will continue strengthening preventive measures and increasing medical equipment and supplies to curb the spread of the virus. As for businesses facing operational difficulties, relief and stimulus measures will be available to minimize losses and help get industries back on their feet. The bill was drafted following a comprehensive review of current laws and mechanisms to identify and codify provisions considered essential, urgent or supplementary to the work at hand.
The administration will on the one hand enhance measures combating the coronavirus, and on the other hand provide practical support and resources for a wide range of sectors, including transportation, tourism, agriculture, domestic consumption-driven industries, and manufacturing. The special bill provides a legal framework for taking disease control actions and raising the funds needed to mitigate the long-term economic and social impacts of the virus on the island, the premier said.
The Executive Yuan will also submit a special budget proposal capped at NT$60 billion (US$2 billion) for the Legislature's review. Once approved, the budget will be utilized to help affected industries weather the outbreak, Premier Su added.