Taiwan reports highest weekly COVID-19 deaths in a month

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan has seen a significant rise in COVID-19 complications and fatalities, with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reporting 31 deaths and 260 severe cases in the past week, as of Tuesday (Dec. 5).

CDC Deputy Director-General Philip Lo described the situation as grave, noting, "The 31 deaths are the highest weekly count we've seen in four weeks, while the 260 complications are the most in five weeks."

Local infections have increased by 248 cases from the previous week, with 98% of these new cases occurring in individuals who have not received the Moderna XBB.1.5 vaccine. 

Furthermore, 97% of the deaths were among those unvaccinated against the variant, according to Lo.

Lo anticipates the infection wave to peak in mid-to-late January, with daily cases potentially reaching 18,000 to 20,000. He also cautioned about the possible concurrent peaks of COVID-19 and influenza.

To mitigate the upcoming peak, the National Taiwan University Hospital has begun offering the Moderna XBB.1.5 vaccine for free on a walk-in basis.

Health experts are urging high-risk groups, especially those with chronic diseases and seniors aged 65 and above, to get vaccinated promptly.