President Tsai Ing-wen announced the government’s new measures to combat COVID-19 April 26, spotlighting the country’s efforts to adapt to a new phase of the pandemic and boost the economy while showcasing Taiwan as an island of resilience.
The government will leave no stone unturned in carefully managing medical resources by triaging cases according to severity and efficiently distributing medicine for treatment, Tsai said. Only moderate, severe and high-risk confirmed cases will be sent to hospitals, with others isolating at home or going to designated quarantine facilities, the president added.
In the meantime, the supply of reasonably priced rapid testing kits will be ensured through imports and ramped up domestic production, Tsai said, adding that a rationing plan of these kits is also in the pipeline to further guarantee sufficient stocks.
Tsai made the remarks during a visit to the Central Epidemic Command Center in Taipei City.
According to Tsai, the CECC just announced the shortening of quarantine for contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases and the simplification of contact tracing. As of April 26, known contacts of infected persons will isolate at home for just three days and then monitor their health for a further four days, she said, adding that the 10-day quarantine period followed by seven days of self-health management remains in place for inbound travelers.
The government is additionally committed to increasing vaccination coverage, especially among the elderly, to help reduce the incidence of serious cases, she said.
According to Tsai, Taiwan’s economy is thriving, as evidenced by the growth of export orders for 25 consecutive months during the pandemic. The central and local governments will continue working together to combat the disease while further stimulating the economy going forward.
Tsai also took the opportunity to thank front-line workers for their tireless efforts in containing the spread of coronavirus. (YCH-E)
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