pandemic response 結果共12筆

Taiwan’s ambassador to Guatemala, Miguel Tsao, advocates for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Assembly, highlighting the nation’s effective response to public health emergencies like COVID-19. Despite contributions to global health, political barriers prevent Taiwan’s WHO participation. Tsao urges international support for Taiwan’s observer status, emphasizing the benefits of Taiwan’s expertise in combating pandemics.

Explore the initiative by Taiwan’s CDC and the Federation of Taiwan Pharmacists Associations to distribute 10 million free COVID-19 home test kits across over 4,500 pharmacies. Starting May 6, with full availability by May 8, each visitor can receive a test kit, aiming to maintain vigilance against COVID-19 amidst ongoing cases and deaths. This measure follows the WHO’s classification of COVID-19 as a persistent health issue and extends the support previously given to international travelers. The initiative encourages responsible collection and use of these crucial health tools.

Dali Yang, an American sinologist, discusses his book ＂Wuhan＂ which analyzes China’s initial Covid-19 response. He highlights the need for transparency and the impact on international relations.

Taiwan’s Premier Chen Chien-jen announced that travel to mainland China is possible for pre-arranged tour groups before May 31, pending China’s cooperation. The decision, made in response to a query from Kuomintang caucus whip Fu Kun-chi at the Legislative Yuan, was explained as a temporary measure due to China’s failure to reciprocate group tourism efforts. Chen highlighted that the possibility of lifting the ban hinges on China’s willingness, emphasizing that existing tour groups can still travel before the end of May.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) caucus convener Huang Kuo-chang questions the legal grounds of Taiwan’s ban on group tours to China, suspecting it was a hasty response to the pandemic. The government’s sudden change just before the Lunar New Year holiday raised doubts about the ban’s legal basis, with Huang accusing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of using vague legal concepts for punishment. Huang warns against resorting to lies and absurd methods, cautioning about the consequences of broken promises and half-truths.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has begun distributing COVID-19 rapid test kits to travelers at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. The kits are available in the reception areas and exit halls of both terminals, and each traveler is eligible to receive one kit regardless of age. The decision was made in response to the increasing rates of respiratory diseases worldwide. The CDC Deputy Director-General, Philip Lo, stated that the peak of the COVID-19 surge in Taiwan is expected to be in mid-to-late January, with a possible rise after the Lunar New Year holidays. Travelers have expressed appreciation for the policy, with many noting how thoughtful and helpful the Taiwanese government is. The distribution of test kits may continue after the Lunar New Year holidays, depending on the international and domestic pandemic conditions.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for their mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic during a live presidential debate. Hou specifically targeted DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, accusing him of neglect during the outbreak. Hou further claimed that Lai focused on issues surrounding his family home’s illegal expansion claim instead of caring for the public. As the former mayor of New Taipei City, Hou stated that any pandemic-related advice proposed to the central government was denied. He also criticized the DPP government for shortages of anti-epidemic supplies and food safety issues. Hou emphasized the need to establish a special investigation team to probe malpractices in the DPP’s pandemic approach. Additionally, he questioned Lai’s advocacy for Taiwanese independence, suggesting that it could escalate cross-strait tensions. Hou criticized Lai’s tactics as underestimating the intelligence of the Taiwanese people and disrespecting the Republic of China (Taiwan). He portrayed Lai as ungrateful and not trustworthy for Taiwan.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced enhancements to its online passport application system in response to increased demand as international borders reopen post-pandemic. Individuals can now schedule up to four passport applications in one reservation, a significant increase from the previous limit of one application per booking. MOFA encourages the use of its ＂Online booking appointment for passport application＂ to streamline the process. To avoid long queues, people can monitor the current number of waiting tickets and people in line on the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) website. For inquiries, the public can refer to the passport Q&A section on the BOCA’s global information network site or contact the passport inquiry hotline.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced that individuals can now book appointments for up to four passport applications at once online, an increase from the previous limit of one. This change, effective since December 17, is in response to a surge in passport applications following the reopening of international borders after the pandemic. The ministry’s Bureau of Consular Affairs encourages the public to take advantage of the enhanced ’Individual Passport Application Form Filling and Appointment System’ to schedule appointments in advance and reduce waiting times. The bureau’s official website also offers a real-time feature to check the current number being served and the number of people waiting, helping applicants avoid long queues. For further assistance, the Bureau of Consular Affairs provides information through their website and a dedicated passport inquiry hotline. These efforts reflect the ministry’s commitment to adapting public services to meet the evolving needs of citizens in the post-pandemic era.

Discover the groundbreaking ＂Taiwan as a Pioneer＂ (TAP) project, a four-year research initiative by Trier University, Bochum University, and Tuebingen University, aimed at elevating Taiwan studies in Europe. Supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the project has already made significant progress, including workshops, fieldwork in Green Island, and funding for scholars’ trips to Taiwan. With a budget of approximately NT＄68 million, TAP seeks to enhance the profile of Taiwan research, while a handbook on Taiwan research methodologies is set to be published by 2025, marking a milestone in European academia.

Taiwan’s major contract manufacturer, Quanta Computer, has announced that it will adjust its employee salary structure in response to inflation and talent retention. Starting in December, the salary adjustments will be based on job grades, with employees in the 8th job grade receiving an increase of NT＄3,000. According to the Taiwan Stock Exchange’s corporate employee salary information from June, the average annual salary for non-supervisory full-time employees at Quanta in 2022 reached NT＄1.501 million. This marks the third consecutive year that Quanta has raised salaries, with structural pay adjustments also made in 2021 and 2022. The company has clarified that the current restructuring will not affect the annual raises based on performance and division alignment. Additionally, Quanta plans to implement a flexible working hours system, reinstating the flexible work hour system adopted during the pandemic period at its headquarters in Taiwan. This will allow employees to start their day between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and leave between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Taiwan Kentucky Fried Chicken has rolled out a new contactless order and pick-up system in response to the pandemic.