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New coronavirus-combating measures unveiled by CECC, MOTC

2020-04-01 Taiwan Today

New measures aimed at combating coronavirus first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan last year...

Rail, inter-city bus travelers required to wear masks from April 1

2020-04-01 Focus Taiwan

All members of the public must wear masks on trains and inter-city buses from April 1, Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said Tuesday.

Taiwan helps Caribbean, Central, South America allies combat coronavirus

2020-04-01 Taiwan Today

Taiwan is helping seven allies in the Caribbean, Central and South America combat coronavirus through sharing the country’s front-line experiences, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs March 31.

153 Taiwanese return from Wuhan to Taiwan and placed under group quarantine for 14 days

2020-03-31 Centers for Disease Control

On March 30, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) reported that 153 Taiwanese nationals who had been stuck in Wuhan, China arrived in Taiwan on the first special flight in the evening of March 29. None of the evacuees returning from Wuhan were sent to the hospital after undergoing quarantine at the airport. They all have been tested for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and transported to a quarantine site for a 14-day period of group quarantine.

MOFA calls on WHO to take neutral, professional stance facilitating Taiwan’s full participation and contributions

2020-03-31 Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) took notice when the World Health Organization Secretariat issued a statement on March 29 recognizing the success of Taiwan’s epidemic prevention and containment measures and acknowledged the importance of Taiwan in the global fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, MOFA regrets that the WHO statement fails to present the full facts.

MOFA signs international cooperation and development assistance agreements with five Taiwan NGOs

2020-03-30 Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and five nongovernmental organizations pledged to promote Taiwan’s participation in and contributions to international cooperation and humanitarian assistance at a March 27 joint signing ceremony for cooperation agreements. Director General Ming-chi Scott Lai of the Department of NGO International Affairs signed agreements with Good Neighbors Taiwan, Pu-hsein Educational Foundation and the Amitofo Charity Association Executive Committee Board (ACA), the Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation (NCF), Zhi-Shan Foundation (ZSF) Taiwan, and the Garden of Hope Foundation (GOH).

Office of the President thanks US President Trump for signing TAIPEI Act into law

2020-03-30 Office of the President

The Office of the President expressed gratitude after US President Donald Trump signed the “Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act of 2019” into law on March 26 (US Eastern Daylight Time).

Cumulative total of 252 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Taiwan; number of patients released from isolation remains to be 29

2020-03-27 Centers for Disease Control

The Central Epidemic Command Center reported on March 26 that 873 additional cases related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were reported on March 25.

Stricter screening and quarantines boost coronavirus containment

2020-03-27 Executive Yuan

Following a presentation at Thursday’s weekly Cabinet meeting by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the latest developments in the novel coronavirus outbreak in Taiwan, Premier Su Tseng-chang directed that the Sports Administration closely follow rule changes at global sporting associations to ensure that Taiwan’s athletes and their participation qualifications will not be affected by the widespread rescheduling of international sporting competitions.

CECC recommends suspending indoor gatherings of over 100 people and outdoor gatherings of over 500 people to prevent cluster infections

2020-03-26 Centers for Disease Control

On March 25, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) recommended that indoor events that are attended by more than 100 people and outdoor gatherings that are attended by more than 500 people be suspended, in order to prevent cluster infections.

Taoyuan airport runway 3 passes environmental impact assessment

2020-03-26 Focus Taiwan

The project to construct a third runway at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport passed an Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) environmental impact assessment Wednesday, a move that drew protests from several environmental protection groups, citing multiple flaws in the project.

Cumulative total of 215 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Taiwan; 29 patients released from isolation

2020-03-25 Centers for Disease Control

The Central Epidemic Command Center reported on March 24 that 1,143 additional cases related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were reported on March 23. As of writing, a cumulative total of 25,746 cases have been reported among which COVID-19 has been ruled out in 23,347.

INTERVIEW/Taiwan’s VP reiterates need to participate in WHO, despite criticism

2020-03-25 Focus Taiwan

Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) reiterated Tuesday the need for Taiwan to participate in the World Health Organization (WHO), despite criticism that the agency has been ineffective in containing the spread of the coronavirus disease COVID-19.

Second round of online ordering under the name-based rationing system for face masks to commence on March 25

2020-03-24 Centers for Disease Control

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced on March 23 that the second round of online ordering under the name-based rationing system for face masks will commence on March 25. Members of the public who would like to order face masks online are welcome to do so from that date.

Taiwan starts amnesty program for overstaying foreign nationals

2020-03-24 Focus Taiwan

Taiwan started a three-month amnesty program for foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas, allowing them to pay smaller fines should they decide to report to the immigration authorities during the grace period, the National Immigration Agency (NIA) said Friday.

Automatic 30-day extension for foreigners entering Taiwan on or before March 21 with visa waiver, visitor visa, or landing visa (no application is required) (overstayers excepted)

2020-03-23 Bureau of Consular Affairs

In response to border control measures and flight bans implemented around the world to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, MOFA announces that all travelers who entered Taiwan on or before March 21, 2020, on a visitor visa, a landing visa, or through a visa-waiver program and who have not overstayed their legal stay period will be granted an automatic 30-day extension.

Taiwan to ban airline passenger transits through the country starting March 24 until April 7

2020-03-23 Centers for Disease Control

On March 22, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has become a global pandemic and the number of imported cases continues to rise.

Monetary Policy Decisions of the Board Meeting

2020-03-20 Central Bank

Since early this year, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global supply chains and weakened the growth momentum for international trade and consumption demand. Real economic activities have been widely affected and international financial markets have experienced dramatic volatility. Among international commodities, sharp declines in crude prices have exerted a downward pressure on global inflation. Moreover, factors such as the uncertain prospects for trade deal negotiations among major economies as well as geopolitical conflicts also substantially heighten downside risks to the global economy. International institutions have successively made significant downward revisions to forecasts for global economic growth this year.

President Tsai issues remarks regarding government response to COVID-19 pandemic

2020-03-20 Office of the President

On the afternoon of March 19, President Tsai Ing-wen, accompanied by Vice President Chen Chien-jen, issued remarks in the Entrance Hall of the Presidential Office Building regarding the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). She stated that the next fourteen days will be crucial to the second stage of containing this virus and issued the following reminders to citizens: fully follow the regulations laid out by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC); refrain from hostility and mutual blame; and refrain from causing panic and help spread accurate information. The president also emphasized that our government has adopted proactive measures to maintain economic momentum, stimulate industry, and ensure financial stability, and will do everything we can to control the virus outbreak and protect our citizens.

CECC raises travel notice for the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, including transit flights, to Level 3: Warning; advises against all nonessential travel to these countries

2020-03-19 Centers for Disease Control

On March 18, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has continued to expand. There have been more than 1,000 new cases per day in the United States, with four states experiencing community transmission, and more than 100 new cases per day in Canada and Australia, while New Zealand continues to maintain close ties with Australia. The US and Australia have also declared countrywide or regional states of emergency.

Taiwan to bar foreign nationals from entering the country starting March 19 in response to the continued spread of COVID-19

2020-03-19 Bureau of Consular Affairs

Taiwan will bar foreign nationals whose flights depart after 00:00 Taipei Standard Time (GMT+8) on March 19 from entering the country in accordance with measures announced by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC). Exemptions will be granted to Alien Resident Certificate holders, personnel on diplomatic or official business, persons who can prove they are fulfilling commercial and contractual obligations, and persons requiring special permission.

CECC raises travel notice for 20 Asian, East European countries, three US states to Level 3: Warning; advises against all nonessential travel Facebookshare to Facebook(open in new window)Lineshare to Line(open in new window)Printprint(open in new window) Back

2020-03-18 Centers for Disease Control

On March 17, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) reported that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has expanded to Asian countries outside China, with more than 10,000 confirmed cases and the number continuing to increase. Numerous countries have declared the outbreak a national emergency and introduced strict border control and quarantine measures. Recently, the epidemic situation in the United States has also escalated. Considering the increased risk of infection, the CECC announced that effective March 19, it will raise its travel notice for 19 countries in Asia, one country in Eastern Europe, and three states in the US to Level 3: Warning. This comes in addition to China (including Hong Kong and Macao), South Korea, and Central Asian countries, which are already subject to a Level 3: Warning travel notice.

CORONAVIRUS/Migrant workers who leave Taiwan will not be allowed to reenter: MOL

2020-03-18 Focus Taiwan

Migrant workers who travel outside Taiwan will be temporarily barred from returning until the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic subsides, Vice Labor Minister Lin San-quei (林三貴) said Tuesday.

CECC raises travel notice for 42 countries and one territory in Eastern Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, and Northern Africa to Level 3: Warning; CECC advises against all nonessential travel

2020-03-17 Centers for Disease Control

On March 16, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) reported that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak had expanded throughout Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and announced that effective March 17, it will raise its travel notice for 13 countries in Eastern Europe, 15 countries and one territory in the Middle East, five countries in Northern Africa, and nine countries in Central Asia to Level 3: Warning. This comes in addition to the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Iran, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia, which were already subject to a Level 3: Warning travel notice.

CORONAVIRUS / Taiwan now making home-grown protective gowns: president

2020-03-17 Focus Taiwan

Taiwan has formed a “national team” to produce protective and isolation gowns in Taiwan and ensure a sufficient supply at home amid the coronavirus outbreak, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Monday.

President Tsai announces five proactive measures to boost Taiwan’s economic momentum and vitality

2020-03-16 Office of the President

To address the economic impact of the global novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, President Tsai Ing-wen convened a high-level national security meeting at noon on March 12 attended by the premier, vice premier, heads of relevant cabinet agencies, the National Security Council (NSC) secretary-general, and a number of NSC advisors. After hearing reports on response measures prepared by the Executive Yuan and various cabinet agencies, the president stated that the domestic COVID-19 outbreak is well under control thanks to proactive prevention and containment measures. But she added that the government must also take proactive measures to respond to the outbreak's economic impact by boosting economic momentum in the short-term and maintaining Taiwan's economic vitality.

Starting 2 pm of March 14, travelers yet on board leaving 27 European countries or Dubai are required to practice a 14-day home quarantine after entering Taiwan

2020-03-16 Centers for Disease Control

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced on March 14 that, considering the frequent movement of citizens in the Schengen Area, it will raise the travel notice on March 17, to Level 3: Warning, for all Schengen countries including France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Greece, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, in addition to Italy, which is already on Level 3. The United Kingdom and Ireland, enjoying free movement in the Area, are also now on Level 3. Dubai (transits included) is also on the list. People are advised to avoid nonessential travel to these countries. Starting form 2pm, March 14, those already on board are asked to practice more stringent self-health management, whereas travelers yet on board will have to follow a 14-day home quarantine. Staring from March 17, foreign travelers required to follow home quarantine can pay to stay at the group quarantine facilities if they do not have other places to reside in.

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