TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is preparing to open its borders and relax its current epidemic-prevention measures after more than two years living in the pandemic. Starting on Oct. 13, travelers arriving in Taiwan won’t need to quarantine any more, but they will undergo seven days of self-health management.
Vice Superintendent at the Shinkong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital Hung Tzu-jen remarked that "with our vaccination rate, as well as the second generation of vaccines, we have natural protection." He added: "As the mortality rate has not significantly changed, the impact of the opening of borders on our community and medical capacity will be relatively low."
Doctors remark that as long as no new variants are detected, the relaxing of COVID-19 prevention measures should be acceptable. As Taiwan aims to coexist with the virus, medical experts also point out the importance of treating COVID-19 like a flu.
As for face mask regulations, the Central Epidemic Command Center is set to convene in November to decide whether wearing face masks should continue to be mandatory. In the future, face masks may be requested at certain events; and later on, become a recommendation.
However, experts advise that the face masks regulations be the last to go, as its protection against COVID-19 and the flu remains critical. On face masks restrictions, Hung argued that at certain locations or events, Taiwan shouldn't lift the restrictions before the year's end.
With COVID variants still popping up around the world, Taiwan’s transformation from government-mandated COVID regulations to easing restrictions will still need corresponding measures to smooth the transition.
