A central epidemics command center was set up Jan. 20 by Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare in readiness to manage possible local cases of pneumonia stemming from a new coronavirus.
Overseen by Chou Jih-haw, director-general of the MOHW’s Centers for Disease Control, the facility is in response to the recent outbreak of pneumonia in China, as well as an increasing number of cases reported in Japan, South Korea and Thailand over the past few days.
The latest official statistics from China confirm 136 cases Jan. 18-19 in the city of Wuhan. This brings the total to 198, including three deaths, according to the CDC.
On Jan. 15, the disease was designated a Category 5 communicable health threat on par with Ebola and Middle East respiratory syndrome by the CDC. This requires medical institutions to notify the MOHW of suspected cases within 24 hours of initial treatment.
Numerous precautionary measures are in place to protect the people, the CDC said. These include better planning and infection controls at medical institutions, conducting relevant drills, enhancing public awareness and tightening inspections at airports and other ports of arrival.
With the Lunar New Year holiday fast approaching, the CDC urges those planning to travel to Wuhan or nearby areas to avoid direct contact with individuals exhibiting flu symptoms and wild animals, refrain from visiting crowded public places or livestock markets, frequently wash hands with soap and wear a surgical mask.
If one exhibits symptoms of respiratory infection within 14 days of returning to Taiwan, the CDC said they should put on a surgical mask, seek immediate medical treatment and inform health care personnel of recent travel history. (SFC-E)
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