A relaxation of the current mask mandate was announced Feb. 9 as part of the latest easing of COVID-19 regulations by the Central Epidemic Command Center.
Starting Feb. 20, people in Taiwan will no longer be required to wear masks in most indoor settings, the CECC said, adding that the rule change will be implemented if local coronavirus infection figures remain stable and under control.
According to the CECC, masks will remain mandatory indoors in venues such as health care facilities, senior welfare institutions, long-term care facilities, veterans’ homes, child and youth services, and care institutions for physically or mentally disabled people. They will also continue to be compulsory when taking public transportation, including trains, ships, aircraft, and other designated vehicles and when in stations and terminals.
People do not need to wear a mask in the abovementioned places when eating, taking photos, during checkups or engaging in activities where donning a mask is not appropriate or feasible, the center said.
Masks are still recommended for individuals experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms, the elderly and people with weak immune systems, the CECC said. In addition, when visiting crowded places where proper distancing cannot be practiced or where ventilation is poor and when in close contact with the elderly or those with weak immune systems who are not fully vaccinated, masks are also advised, the center added.
If Taiwan’s COVID-19 infection rate remains stable, the indoor mask mandate for schools of all levels, as well as preschools, childcare centers and cram schools, will be lifted March 6, the CECC said. (DL-E)
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