The Cabinet-level Central Epidemic Command Center heightened domestic disease prevention measures May 11 as the government continues efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus in Taiwan.
Given the increased number of local cases with unknown sources of infection recently, the CECC said stricter rules will be applied to business venues, large gatherings and public transportation, with measures effective immediately and remaining in place until at least June 8.
According to the CECC, individuals should avoid crowded places and locations with a higher risk of infection and must wear a mask at all times if they do visit such sites.
Organizers of mass gatherings are urged to halt events unless prevention measures, including crowd control, mask wearing, social distancing and temperature monitoring, can be adequately enforced, it added.
The CECC said organizers of indoor and outdoor events involving more than 100 and 500 participants, respectively, need to submit disease prevention plans and obtain special permission from local governments.
At the same time, business establishments and public spaces need to take rigorous precautionary measures, the agency said, adding that failure to comply with the government’s guidelines may result in mandatory shutdown of their operations.
Eating or drinking will be banned on public transportation, and travel without a seat will not be allowed on trains of Taiwan Railways Administration or Taiwan Highspeed Rail starting May 15, the CECC said. Visits to hospitals and long-term care facilities will also be suspended with a few exceptions, it added.
Latest CECC statistics reveal 1,231 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Taiwan and 12 deaths, with 122 patients still receiving treatment at hospitals countrywide. (SFC-E)
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