TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Health authorities recorded 16,015 new local infections in Taiwan on Thursday (Nov. 24), a decrease of 20.2% from the previous week. There were also 65 deaths, down from 77 a week ago.
Against this backdrop, the Central Epidemic Command Center aims to ease some pandemic safety regulations as early as December. In the first stage, masks could no longer be required outdoor.
Lo Yi-chun, head of the CECC Medical Response Division said: "The death toll last Thursday was 77, (this week) is still a drop from last week."
As the number of COVID-related deaths has decreased, the CECC plans to ease the first phase of safety restrictions.
However, for large scale events, such as the upcoming Christmas and New Year's events, masks will still have to be worn.
"Currently, we will not announce the relevant control measures for the end of the year and other New Year's Eve activities in the first phase," added Lo.
With more infectious diseases spreading in the winter, the CECC will arrange the 2nd phase in accordance with the results of the 1st phase.
As for the next-generation BA.5 vaccine, another 613,000 doses have already arrived.
It is expected that after 7 days of the seal inspection, it will be delivered and opened on Dec. 2.
