New measures aimed at combating coronavirus first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan last year were unveiled April 1 by the Central Epidemic Command Center and Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
Chen Shih-chung, head of the CECC and minister of health and welfare, said social distancing is suggested at 1.5 meter indoors and 1 meter outdoors. If this guideline cannot be met, it is suggested masks or partitions be used to minimize the risk of transmission, he added.
Lin Chia-lung, minister of transportation and communications, said all users of the country’s bus, high-speed rail and rail networks must wear masks and undergo temperature checks at stations. These measures are aimed at enhancing public health during the four-day Tomb Sweeping Festival commencing April 2 countrywide.
In addition, the eMask 2.0 system is in place and proving highly effective. From April 9, adult and children can order nine and 10 masks online, respectively, every 14 days. ROC (Taiwan) nationals are also permitted to send 30 masks abroad to direct relatives every two months.
Statistics from the CECC under the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Centers for Disease Control reveal 329 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Taiwan as of April 1, with five deaths. A total of 838,239 cases have been identified in 179 other countries and territories. (TYT-E)
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