COVID-19 結果共10,000筆

The Cato Institute and the Fraser Institute have co-published the 2023 Human Freedom Index, revealing that Switzerland maintains its position as the country with the highest levels of human freedom. Taiwan, on the other hand, ranks 12th globally and claims the top spot for human freedom in Asia. The report highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has generally led to a decline in human freedom, particularly in areas such as the rule of law, action, speech, assembly, association, and trade. Taiwan performs well in individual freedom, securing the 12th spot with a score of 8.98 out of 10, and ranks 11th in economic freedom with a score of 7.79, resulting in an overall score of 8.56. The Human Freedom Index is a comprehensive assessment of personal, civil, and economic freedoms worldwide, based on data from 2021 encompassing 165 jurisdictions.

Queena Plaza Hotel in Tainan successfully utilizes Taiwan’s Middle-aged and Elderly Training Subsidy Program to enhance the skills of its middle-aged and senior workforce. Through external training courses, the hotel’s staff, particularly those aged 45 and above, have completed HACCP 60A and HACCP 60B courses, improving their capabilities in food safety control systems and kitchen hygiene regulations. Over 50% of the hotel’s middle-aged and elderly grassroots leaders have obtained HACCP certification, contributing to their career development. The Workforce Development Agency encourages companies to apply for subsidy programs to leverage the competencies of their middle-aged and senior employees, leading to improved work efficiency and organizational goals. Contact the agency for more information.

Inventec Group will hold its annual year-end bōnenkai on Jan. 26 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, with rumors suggesting that rock legend Wu Bai may make a surprise appearance. This event marks Chairman Sam Yeh’s first time hosting since the Covid-19 outbreak, signaling a return to in-person festivities. While Wu Bai’s appearance has not been confirmed, Inventec has hinted that the guest will align with the rock genre. Over 6,000 employees are expected to attend, with more than 600 tables set up for the celebration. Executives from Inventec’s subsidiaries, including Inventec Appliances, Besta, and AIMobile, are also scheduled to join. The grand prize for the 2023 bōnenkai is anticipated to be NT＄200,000 in cash, with the possibility of additional top-ups from group executives, potentially exceeding a total prize pool of NT＄10 million.

A survey conducted by online job bank Yes123 revealed that 88.4 percent of Taiwan’s companies plan to hold year-end parties before the Lunar New Year, with employees most eager to receive cash prizes. The survey also found that 60.3 percent of companies with year-end party plans will host lucky draw events. Among the preferred prizes, cash ranked as the top choice with 66.2 percent of employees, followed by smartphones (43.3 percent), cars (42.5 percent), department store vouchers (34.3 percent), and convenience store coupons (33.2 percent). The survey also showed that 73.6 percent of office workers have previously won a prize at year-end parties, with the average value of the biggest prize being NT＄11,833. The spokesperson for Yes123, Yang Tsung-pin, stated that the willingness of companies to hold year-end events has returned to normal, indicating the recovery and stabilization of the economy following the disruptions caused by Covid-19. The survey was conducted online from Dec. 1 to Dec. 14, with 1,366 valid responses and a confidence level of 95 percent and a margin of error of plus or minus 2.65 percent.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) in Taiwan is planning to promote digitalization in healthcare, with a focus on incorporating digital development into healthcare quality metrics. This initiative aligns with national policy directives and aims to support the national plan for digital policy. The successful pilot of virtual National Health Insurance (NHI) cards during the COVID-19 pandemic was highlighted as part of the broader commitment to digitalization. The MOHW, with support from the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA), is providing technological budget support for the cloud-based transition of health insurance systems at grassroots clinics. The goals of Taiwan’s digitalization healthcare system include reducing manpower on the medical end, improving healthcare quality, and increasing convenience for patients. The future strategy of the MOHW will combine financial subsidies with policy mandates, starting with medical centers. The plan is to encourage the integration of digital development into healthcare quality assessment, with the aim of fostering innovation, reducing labor costs, and enhancing healthcare quality.

Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant JN.1 has been sporadically detected in Taiwan’s local cases. JN.1 is an offspring of the BA.2.86 variant and was first detected in Taiwan on Oct. 20 through a traveler from Japan. The local proportion of the JN.1 strain is below 5 percent, indicating that it has not become the dominant strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the continued use of the XBB.1.5 vaccine strain, which has been shown to be effective against JN.1 and other emerging variants.

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.

新冠肺炎（COVID-19）自2019年爆發後，大幅改變人類的生活習慣，儘管世界各國皆已恢復正常生活，但近期卻有許多國家出現新變異株「JN.1」患者。對此，胸腔暨重症專科醫師黃軒就直言，隨著農曆春節將至，台灣勢必「逃不掉」這波疫情，同時也呼籲民眾應儘速接種XBB.1.5疫苗。

Taiwan’s Social Protection Expenditure (SPE) for 2022 has reached a new high of NT$2.5342 trillion, according to the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS). This represents a 4.9% growth rate and an increase of NT$118.1 billion compared to the previous year. The DGBAS attributes the significant growth to factors such as increased costs related to COVID-19 vaccine procurement and vaccination efforts, higher National Health Insurance payments, and increased funding for childcare allowances and educational subsidies. Social security spending in Taiwan aims to mitigate risks or burdens associated with aging, disabilities, survivors, sickness and healthcare, childbirth, family and children, unemployment, occupational injuries, and housing, following the standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO).

中國國家疾控局昨天表示，COVID-19目前在全球流行比重增加的JN.1變異株，中國國內截至12月10日止已發現7個本土病例。受全球流行及境外輸入影響，未來不排除可能成為主要流行株。

Taiwan’s CDC is urging high-risk groups, including seniors aged 65 and older and those with chronic illnesses, to get vaccinated promptly in anticipation of a potential new wave of COVID-19 infections by mid to late January. The urgency for vaccinations is emphasized due to the high international positivity rate for COVID-19 and fluctuating domestic cases. While there has been a slight decline in complications from new domestic cases, there has been a concerning increase in deaths, marking the highest in nearly five weeks. The CDC highlights the effectiveness of the XBB.1.5-adapted COVID-19 vaccine, which can reduce the risk of severe illness and death by 50 percent and 61 percent, respectively. Approximately 649,000 doses of the XBB vaccine have been administered nationally, with 43,400 doses given in the last week alone. The CDC also clarifies that mRNA vaccines are safe and effective, designed to enhance mRNA technology without negatively affecting biosystems.

The College Entrance Examination Center (CEEC) has announced that the second session of the high school English listening test will take place this Saturday, with 35,986 registered candidates. The test will be conducted in the morning across 30 districts, 44 zones, and 1,067 venues. Test-takers are advised to check their personal examination information and test location layout on the CEEC’s website. Valid identification, such as an ID card or passport, must be brought to the exam. Mask-wearing is optional for most test-takers, but those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have respiratory symptoms must wear a mask throughout the examination. Candidates causing noise may be relocated to a reserve venue to avoid disturbing others.

Taiwanese singer and actress Vivian Hsu and Singaporean businessman Li Yun-feng have announced the end of their nine-year marriage. Despite their best efforts, the couple was unable to resolve their differences and recently signed a divorce agreement. The strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced them into a long-distance relationship, along with personality differences, contributed to their split. Speculation about their marriage began last September, and Hsu hinted at her unhappiness in a recent social media post.

The Tourist Administration of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) organized a two-day event at the Toronto Eaton Centre in Canada, showcasing Taiwan’s attractions. The event featured various activities, including VR experiences, calligraphy bookmark crafting, pinball games, indigenous beadwork, and oil-paper umbrella painting workshops. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto reported a significant increase in Canadian visitors to Taiwan, with a 1366.17 percent rise compared to the previous year. However, the number of visitors has not yet returned to pre-COVID-19 levels. In an effort to boost tourism, Taiwan has waived visa requirements for Canadians, positioning itself as an ideal winter getaway. Taiwan’s picturesque mountains, coastlines, and diverse urban and small-town landscapes make it a perfect destination for leisurely exploration.

秋冬為呼吸道傳染病好發季節，尤其以長者最易受到感染，並導致重症及死亡。打疫苗是最有效的預防方法，請長者勿忘接種肺炎鏈球菌疫苗、COVID-19疫苗及流感疫苗等3種疫苗，共同響應「秋冬防疫 三針有幸」，提升3重保護力，保障自身健康。

Junyi Academy has pointed out the growing disparity in mathematics achievement among students in Taiwan. While Taiwanese students ranked third internationally in mathematics, with an average score of 547, there is a significant gap between the top and bottom performers. The top 10 percent scored an average of 623 points, while the bottom 10 percent scored an average of 434 points. This ＂M-shaped＂ divergence in proficiency is attributed to the unequal access to digital learning. Children from higher socioeconomic status households have benefited more from digital devices for educational purposes, widening the gap. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital teaching methods, but there has been a decline in platform usage recently. Junyi Academy emphasizes the need for guided learning in technology and equitable teaching to address urban-rural and learning disparities. The chairman, Lu Kuan-wei, also highlighted the potential of generative AI, such as ChatGPT, as an educational tool but raised concerns about students misusing AI for homework completion. Lu urged presidential candidates to develop comprehensive educational policies that address the challenges and opportunities brought by technological advances.

國際航空運輸協會（IATA）今天表示，隨著航空業將COVID-19（2019冠狀病毒疾病）拋諸腦後，預估2024年航空公司客運量將達到創紀錄的47億人次。

Taiwan is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 complications and deaths, with the CDC reporting the highest weekly count in a month. Authorities are encouraging vaccinations, especially for high-risk groups, as the country braces for a peak in infections.

疾管署今日表示，上週新增17例流感併發重症個案與4例病歿，上週新增260例COVID-19併發症個案與31例病歿！副署長羅一鈞推估，國內流感與COVID-19疫情可能雙雙在農曆春節前後進入最高峰。

Taiwan has been facing a persistent flu season since the beginning of the year, with three concurrent viruses spreading. Physician Huang Li-min from National Taiwan University Hospital warned of the severity of the flu outbreak and projected a potential two-year ’immunity debt’. Huang also highlighted the heightened risk of a Mycoplasma outbreak in Taiwan, urging the public to practice preventative measures such as vaccinations and adherence to public health guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan has implemented targeted surveillance and testing at international airports, leading to the detection of various viruses, including influenza, COVID-19, and adenoviruses. The World Health Organization is monitoring the Mycoplasma situation in China, urging vigilance despite a decline in the pandemic.

民進黨主席、總統參選人賴清德昨（29）日於中常會呼籲應改善醫療工作條件，包括補助COVID-19與類流感申報量點值，補助金額可以依據結算點值重新估算，統計今年上半年基層醫院合計共需動支51.33億元，應於今年完成回補。而行政院也在今日通過「2024年健保總額成長率及點值調節」，表示核定明年總額成長率範圍為2.621％至4.7％，總預算金額為8581.49億元至8755.35億元，明年健保費率將不受影響。

黴漿菌疫情引起關注！但網路卻流傳了「十二月一日起 8大場所強制戴口罩」的訊息，對此，疾管署發布新聞稿闢謠，強調此內容是2020年COVID-19疫情期間防疫措施為今年規定，與現行措施不符，請民眾勿信誤轉傳。

醫界高度關切的點值議題，民進黨主席、總統參選人賴清德今（29日）於中常會上再度向行政部門喊話，提出3點呼籲應改善醫療工作條件，包括補助COVID-19與類流感申報量點值，補助金額可以依據結算點值重新估算，統計今年上半年基層醫院合計共需動支的51.33億元、中醫4.7億元、西醫基層5.65億元、醫院40.99億元，應於今年完成回補。

Taiwan’s CDC warns that respiratory illness cases in China may peak around Lunar New Year due to multiple pathogens affecting the northern regions. The CDC emphasizes that the surge is not caused by a single agent and poses challenges across different age groups. In addition to mycoplasma, other infectious threats like influenza and COVID-19 should not be ignored. To prepare for increased cross-strait travel, the CDC urges vaccination against flu and COVID-19, especially for the elderly and young children with weaker immune systems. Non-essential trips to China are recommended to be postponed as a precautionary health measure.

Taiwanese seniors over 65 can now receive free pneumococcal vaccinations amid a respiratory disease outbreak. The CDC encourages vaccinations against adenoviruses, mycoplasma pneumoniae, the COVID-19 XBB variant, and influenza to bolster the country’s defenses.