Taiwan leads the world in holding back COVID-19

:  Taiwan is currently attracting global headlines as an example of how the coronavirus outbreak should be tackled.  

Taiwan is situated only 130 kilometres from mainland China, where the outbreak originated in the city of Wuhan.  However as of today, only 379 cases of COVID-19 have been reported amongst its population of 23 million – far fewer than expected. Taiwan continues to lead the world in keeping the country safe throughout the pandemic and will be in a good position to welcome tourists in the future to a safe and exciting destination.

Taiwan’s success stems from its quick actions. On the same day that China notified the World Health Organisation that it had cases of an unknown pneumonia, Taiwan secured its borders and used technology to fight the virus.  Temperature monitors were already in place at their airports after the 2003 SARS outbreak, so incoming passengers were immediately being inspected on flights originating from Wuhan.

The Government also sent a fact-finding team to China and before Taiwan had even confirmed its first case, hospitals were required to test and report cases to identify infected people. Their contacts were traced and everyone involved placed into isolation to stop the virus spreading into the community.  Immediately those coming from badly affected areas were put under mandatory 14-day home quarantine and, even if they weren’t sick, they were tracked using location sharing on their mobile phone. 

To ensure a steady supply of masks, the government quickly banned manufacturers from exporting them, implemented a rationing system and set the price at just 16 cents each.

Taiwan was able to put the lessons it learned during the SARS outbreak to good use. This time Taiwan's government and people were prepared and when the pandemic is over Taiwan, with its unique culture, gastronomic food and stunning scenery, should be at the top of the list of safe places to travel in the world.