Taiwan braces for COVID-19 surge, peak expected in July

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's sixth wave of COVID-19 is on the rise, with the peak expected to occur in mid-July, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Director-General Chuang Jen-hsiang (莊人祥) on Thursday (June 27). He warned that the number of infections could exceed 100,000.

Rising Cases and Government Response

Last week, the nation recorded 817 new local cases, surpassing the previous wave's peak this year. However, Chuang clarified that this figure is unlikely to exceed the approximately 1,800 weekly cases seen during the fourth wave.

Despite the potential for over 100,000 infections in July, most cases are expected to be mild. Chuang urged the public to take preventive measures, such as frequent hand washing and mask-wearing.

Newly appointed Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) joined the CDC press conference for the first time, outlining strategies to combat the escalating situation. Measures include enhanced monitoring, increased rapid testing capacity, coordination of pandemic supplies, clinical guidelines, and strengthened health education and medical cooperation.

Antiviral Drug Supply
Addressing concerns about the supply of antiviral drugs, Chuang announced plans to purchase more Molnupiravir (莫納皮拉韋), with the shipment expected to arrive in Taiwan on July 4.

CDC Deputy Director-General Tseng Shu-hui (曾淑慧) also revealed that 3 million home rapid tests have been distributed to medical institutions nationwide and are available for public pickup at clinics.