peak of the pandemic 結果共8筆

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) achieved record-breaking success in 2021, transporting 73.08 million passengers and generating NT$49.8 billion in revenue. THSR aims to surpass NT$50 billion this year, attributing its growth to changes in commuting behavior post-pandemic and enhanced services like frequent ventilation for pandemic prevention. The surge in passenger willingness to use THSR has led to increased travel numbers, with a peak of 310,000 passengers in a single day during the Lunar New Year holiday. THSR serves various purposes, including commuting, business, homecoming, and tourism, with 4.02 million people utilizing the high-speed rail for tourism last year. Additional trains and service enhancements have been implemented to encourage passengers to travel during off-peak hours.

Taoyuan International Airport expects to handle 1.16 million passengers during the Lunar New Year holiday. To avoid congestion at security checkpoints, passengers are advised to arrive three hours before their flights. Terminal 1 will open eight security checkpoints, while Terminal 2 has 11 regular checkpoints and one for staff. The peak travel periods are Feb. 8-11 and Feb. 13, with daily passenger volume expected to exceed 130,000. This is a recovery to 90% of the pre-pandemic daily average in 2019. The Civil Aeronautics Administration has approved 210 additional flights, with the most on New Year’s Eve carrying an estimated 7,142 passengers.

Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) has achieved a satisfaction rate of 91.2% in 2023, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). This is the first time the satisfaction rate has not decreased despite an increase in insurance costs. Previous reductions in satisfaction were observed in 2002 and 2006 due to premium increases, and in 2013 following the implementation of the second-generation NHI. The highest-rated aspects of the NHI were accessibility to medical treatment and the quality of medical care, with increased insurance costs ranking third. The satisfaction rate reached its peak during times of pandemic, likely due to the introduction of home-based medical care services and improved medical accessibility. Since 2021, the satisfaction rate has consistently remained above 90% and even reached a new all-time high during the pandemic. Taiwan has been ranked number one in the global healthcare index published by NUMBEO for the past five years. The NHI budget has also seen significant growth, increasing by over 48% from NT$590.5 billion in 2015 to NT$875.5 billion in 2024. The survey involved 3,257 participants aged 18 in Taiwan, and while public satisfaction with the NHI is high, physicians generally express lower levels of satisfaction.

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.

KMT Vice Presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong criticizes the DPP government for prioritizing COVID-19 vaccines for certain cities during the peak of the pandemic three years ago. He accuses the DPP of favoritism and urges New Taipei residents to remember the government’s actions and support the incumbent mayor, regardless of party affiliation. Jaw’s remarks aim to hold the DPP accountable in the upcoming elections and solidify the KMT’s base in Taiwan’s political landscape.

Discover America Committee in Taiwan President Brenda Tang revealed that the U.S. travel market from Taiwan has rebounded to 84% of pre-pandemic levels, according to data from the Tourism Administration. Taiwanese travelers heading to the United States surged by 185% from January to October this year, reaching 396,913, as reported by the National Travel and Tourism Office. Flights to the U.S. during the peak summer season had load factors of over 90%, while the off-peak months of September and October maintained load factors of at least 85%. China Airlines and EVA Airways have nearly returned to pre-pandemic flight levels, and Starlux Airlines is set to launch its San Francisco route. United Airlines plans to double its Taipei to San Francisco flights, and Delta Air Lines is preparing to commence a Taipei to Seattle route. Tour package prices to the U.S. for the first quarter of next year and the Lunar New Year peak season are expected to increase by no more than 25%, offering travelers some price assurance amid growing demand.

Tigerair Taiwan reported impressive third-quarter results, with revenues of nearly NT＄3,600,000,000, representing a remarkable year-on-year increase of 2,378% and a 23.87% increase from the previous quarter. The airline attributed its Q3 performance to the summer vacation peak and a steady recovery in passenger movement following the Covid pandemic.

The epidemic continues to spread in mainland China, and according to the Commander of the Central Epidemic Command Center, Victor Wang, their situation may reach its peak in 2 months. As many will be traveling back to Taiwan from the mainland for Chinese New Year, the CECC is urging children to get vaccinated or re-vaccinated.