All requisite measures are in place to protect the people of Taiwan from a possible outbreak of pneumonia caused by a new coronavirus first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, according to Premier Su Tseng-chang Jan. 29.
The government is closely monitoring the situation, Su said. Hospitals, military bases, public transportation hubs and schools are receiving maximum attention so as to ensure the integrity of Taiwan’s disease management and prevention network, he added.
At the same time, the government is taking steps to maintain public supplies of surgical masks, Su said, adding that as a precautionary measure, overseas shipments of two specific types are suspended until Feb. 23.
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, local surgical mask manufacturers are greenlit to boost daily production to around 4.2 million pieces after the Lunar New Year holidays. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has also released 25.7 million surgical masks from its 42 million-strong inventory to various major sales outlets.
Eight cases of the new coronavirus were confirmed in Taiwan as of Jan. 29 by Central Epidemic Command Center under the MOHW’s Centers for Disease Control. A total of 7,711 cases have been identified in China, with 92 reported in 17 other countries and territories.
On Jan.25, CDC upgraded its travel advisory to the highest level for Hubei province and advised against visiting. Other parts of China are categorized level two, meaning unnecessary travel should be avoided.
CDC said those exhibiting symptoms of respiratory infection within 14 days of returning to Taiwan from China are to wear a surgical mask, seek immediate medical treatment and inform health care personnel of recent travel history. (SFC-E)
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