pandemic 結果共143筆

Joseph Wu Jaushieh, with over six years as Taiwan’s foreign minister, is set to become the National Security Council’s secretary-general. Known for his ＂unconventional＂ approach and handling of crises like the China-US trade war and COVID-19, Wu significantly enhanced Taiwan-US relations and worked on expanding ties with Central and Eastern Europe. Despite losing eight diplomatic allies under China’s pressure, his extensive international experience is seen as a valuable asset in his new role.

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.

the year-over-year (YoY) rate in the rent index has been around 2% for the past two years, a relatively high level. The YoY growth rate in March was 2.24%, the highest increase in the past year. Over the past decade, the average annual increase in the rent index was 1.1%. However, since July 2022, the growth has exceeded 2% and has remained at this level. DGBAS officials pointed out three main factors that contributed to the rise in rent. First, the cost of maintaining houses has increased. In recent years, the increase in residential maintenance costs has been significant, with a sharp rise of 5.8% in 2022 and increases of over 3% in 2023 and 2024. 

Discover Taipei’s latest attraction, the second double-decker dining bus, launched by the City’s Department of Information and Tourism. With Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua’s optimistic view on boosting tourism, this unique dining experience offers a gourmet journey through the city. Following the success of the first bus amidst the pandemic, this addition aims to allure more visitors with its exclusive menus and scenic routes, promising an unforgettable 1.5-hour culinary adventure.

Explore how Taiwan’s core inflation cycle has dramatically shortened from an average of 17.19 months to just under 8 months over recent years, leading to a significant shift in public perception towards inflation. This change is attributed to various factors, including the pandemic, geopolitical risks, and climate change, affecting the country’s inflation trend and resulting in a discrepancy between public feeling and official statistics.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen embarks on her first overseas visit in four years to Singapore, discussing various topics including sustainable development and disaster resilience. Many view this trip as a potential precursor to her presidential run in the 2028 elections.

Explore the impact of Taoyuan Airport’s runway maintenance on flights and passengers. Learn about the steps being taken to improve communication and coordination to enhance future passenger experiences.

Discover how New Taipei City’s online memorial service system has seen a significant surge in users ahead of the Qingming Festival. Learn about the system’s evolution since its launch in 2013 and the recent enhancements made by the New Taipei City Civil Affairs Bureau. Explore the unique features of this digital platform and how it complements traditional grave visitations during this solemn period.

The Taipei Cycle Show 2024 showcased the bicycle industry’s leap towards innovation, emphasizing e-mobility, smart technologies, and sustainability as keys to overcoming the post-pandemic slowdown.

Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-tsai addresses the decline in Taoyuan International Airport’s global ranking, citing the closure of airport shops during the COVID-19 pandemic as a key factor. The airport’s drop from 13th to 82nd in passenger voting for the world’s best airports over the last four years has prompted calls for review by the Taoyuan International Airport Corporation Ltd. Wang emphasizes the impact of passenger perception on airport rankings, highlighting the challenges faced by the airport due to the closure of shops and recent delays caused by maintenance work on the South Runway.

Learn about Taiwan’s universities’ efforts to support student mental health, including the implementation of mental health leave policies. Despite concerns about abuse, institutions like NSYSU are leading the way in providing crucial support to students.

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.

Taipei (TVBS News) - Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kuo-tsai, urges China to show goodwill towards resuming tourism and travel between the two countries. The Ministry of Transport and Communications banned local travel agencies from arranging tours to China in early 2024, leading to backlash from the tourism sector. Wang emphasized the government’s commitment to healthy interactions with China and hopes for the return of Chinese tourists to Taiwan. The goal of attracting 12 million international tourists to Taiwan this year remains unchanged, with the potential for two million visits from China, depending on pandemic control. The MOTC will evaluate the impact of the ban on travel agencies and work on solutions. Discussions with airlines will ensure affected travel agencies can refund their clients for booking issues.

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.

This year’s flu season during the Lunar New Year has been relatively mild, potentially due to higher flu vaccination rates and continued mask-wearing, according to Philip Lo, the Deputy Director-General and spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Typically, flu cases surge before and after the Lunar New Year, with the second day of the new year being the busiest for emergency rooms. Despite higher numbers in recent years, this year’s figures are considered mild compared to the pre-pandemic period. On the second day of the Lunar New Year, 6,787 individuals sought emergency care for flu-like symptoms. In previous years, the corresponding numbers were 4,313 in 2023, 1,564 in 2022, 2,458 in 2021, 9,240 in 2020, and 7,983 in 2019. Lo emphasized the need to monitor the potential impact of large gatherings as schools reopen and the travel season begins. In terms of vaccine stock, there are still 82,000 doses of the flu vaccine available, along with 226,000 doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine and 4.38 million doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Lo urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated promptly to enhance their protection.

Renowned restaurant Din Tai Fung and the Taipei City Government are partnering for a massive recruitment event, offering 150 vacancies with salaries up to NT$57,000. The job fair will take place on Feb. 24 at the Taipei Youth Salon. Over 90% of the positions are open to applicants without prior work experience, as part of Din Tai Fung’s efforts to invest in talent recruitment, salary welfare, and training. The available positions include catering service specialists, cashiers, restaurant tidying staff, pastry apprentices, chefs, dish quality inspectors, dishwashers, and in-store timing staff. Part-time workers can earn up to NT$240 an hour on weekends. Salaries start at NT$48,000 for waitstaff, with the potential to reach NT$55,000 after assessments. Chefs have the opportunity to make up to NT$57,000. The average monthly salary from previous recruitment drives with Din Tai Fung is NT$40,000, and many companies have increased salaries due to labor shortages caused by the pandemic. The catering industry has seen a rising salary trend, with Din Tai Fung increasing salaries by 3% to 6% in 2023, totaling a 16% increase over three years. This recruitment drive is open to talents in Taipei, New Taipei, Hsinchu, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.

Taiwan’s export performance reached a historic high from 2021 to 2023, but experienced a 9.8% decline in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Finance. Despite this setback, exports to the U.S. continued to soar with a 49.7% year-on-year increase, while exports to countries covered by Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy also saw significant growth. However, exports to mainland China decreased to 35.2%. Taiwan’s total export tally for 2023 amounted to US$432.48 billion, ranking behind only 2022 and 2021. The demand for communications and electronic products during the pandemic-induced work-from-home trend boosted Taiwan’s exports. The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research predicted significant international trade growth in 2024, which would benefit export-oriented economies like Taiwan. In December 2023, Taiwan’s exports to the U.S. reached $8.49 billion, and exports to southern countries surged by over 50%. However, due to the limited coverage of free trade agreements (FTAs), many traditional Taiwanese industries chose to restructure risks and production in Southeast and South Asia. The return of Taiwanese businesses and the expansion of local factories after the U.S.-China trade war, as well as global economic circumstances, significantly impacted the decline in 2023 exports. The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) estimated the first-quarter export volume for 2024 to be around US$106.1 billion, which is an improvement compared to the same period in 2023, but a 10% decrease from 2022.

Kaohsiung’s catering chefs witness a 10% surge in Lunar New Year orders as pandemic restrictions ease, reflecting the festive spirit of the season.

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.

Discover how nearly half of Taiwan’s workforce is contemplating a career shift before receiving year-end bonuses, driven by the allure of higher salaries and the nation’s economic recovery post-pandemic.

Pilots for Taiwan’s EVA Air, supported by the Pilots Union Taoyuan (TUP), have voted in favor of striking due to ongoing disputes over pay raises. The TUP reported that out of the 910 participating pilots, an overwhelming 900 approved the strike action, with only 10 voting against it. The pilots are demanding a 20% salary adjustment, citing two main grievances – the hiring of foreign pilots amidst a staffing shortage and what they perceive as inadequate salaries and year-end bonuses, especially considering the airline industry’s substantial profits during the pandemic. EVA Air employs a total of 1,400 pilots, with 650 being TUP members. If all union member pilots choose to strike, it could result in half of the passenger and cargo flights being unable to operate during the Lunar New Year holiday. In contrast to the 2019 pilot strike at China Airlines, the TUP has stated that it will announce any confirmed strikes for 2024 at least 24 hours in advance to provide passengers with sufficient time to make necessary preparations.

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 COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental effect on Taiwanese students’ eyesight, with 81.61% of high-school students, 73.16% of junior high school students, and 45.23% of elementary students experiencing poor eyesight in the 2022-2023 academic year. Excessive use of electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, is a major contributing factor to the prevalence of myopia, the most common eye condition among children. A survey conducted by the Child Welfare League Foundation in 2019 found that the average age at which children own their first phone is ten. Ophthalmologists warn that individuals with myopia over 500 degrees are three times more likely to develop glaucoma and 5.5 times more likely to develop cataracts compared to their peers. The risks escalate for those with myopia over 700 degrees, as they are 44 times more likely to experience retinal detachment and 127 times more likely to suffer macular degeneration. Even successful myopia laser correction does not eliminate the potential risks of ocular diseases, as thinning of eye tissues and elongation of the eye axis persist. The golden period for myopia control is considered to be between 3 to 18 years of age, and various strategies such as increased outdoor activities, the use of mydriatic agents, Orthokeratology, daily disposable contact lenses designed for myopia control, and the latest children’s vision management lenses can be employed. These alarming rates highlight the urgent need to strike a balance between technology use and effective prevention strategies and early treatment for Taiwanese children.

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.