Taiwan’s fall-winter COVID-19 protocol will remain in force for March as part of government efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of the people, according to the Cabinet-level Central Epidemic Command Center Feb. 22.
The measures, which took effect Dec. 1, 2020, through Feb. 28, are to be extended as coronavirus remains a threat worldwide and Taiwan continues reporting imported cases, the CECC said.
Airline passengers, irrespective of citizenship or travel purposes, entering or transiting Taiwan must present a negative real-time polymerase chain reaction test for COVID-19 issued within three working days of scheduled departure, the center added.
The CECC said prior to boarding, passengers must sign an affidavit on the government’s Quarantine System for Entry and disclose the location of 14-day mandatory stay. Masks will still be mandatory at educational institutions, exhibition sites, government agencies, medical facilities, performance venues, places of worship, public transportation and shopping centers, the center added.
According to the CECC, the only change is that eating and drinking will be allowed if social distancing is maintained. As for mass gatherings at outdoor locations such as amusement parks, market places and tourist sites, the members of the public are urged to social distance and wear a mask if unable to do so, the center added.
In light of the escalating pandemic situation in Brazil, the CECC said effective Feb. 24, all passengers having visited the South American country in the previous 14 days will be required to stay at designated quarantine facilities and undergo testing after arrival. Said individuals must take an additional test before completing their stay and then practice self-health management for seven days after completing quarantine, the center added.
Latest statistics reveal Taiwan has 942 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and nine deaths. (SFC-E)
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