TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan has eased its mask mandates, allowing the public to take off their masks outdoors or in open spaces starting on Thursday (Dec. 1).
However, face masks are still required at large-scale events and indoors. Indoor face mask mandates have also been eased as residents in Taiwan can now karaoke and exercise without masks.
In addition, activities like taking a dip in hot springs, toasting others at banquets, and driving with family members are also exempt from mask mandates.
You will still need to carry a face mask at all times, as taking public transportation such as the MRT still requires passengers to don their face masks.
The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) advised that when one has COVID symptoms or are in crowded areas, face masks should still be worn.
Meanwhile, health authorities are still deliberating mask mandates for large, open-air events as New Year's Eve approaches. The CECC is set to give a definite answer in the upcoming week.
COVID restrictions will be further relaxed at hospitals starting on Dec. 10 with in-patients being able to receive up to two visitors during fixed visiting hours.
As the pandemic situation stabilizes in Taiwan, the number of arriving passengers in Taiwan will no longer be limited and the CECC will only host two press conferences per week on Mondays and Thursdays.
Though life in Taiwan is slowly getting back to normal, the CECC said it hasn't decided yet on whether COVID-19 can be lowered from its category 5 classification.
Whether COVID has become "flu-like" and whether Taiwan's medical capacity is back to normal will be the two main indicators for such move in the future.
