pandemic 結果共145筆

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.

Premier Chen Chien-jen discusses the pricing process and confidentiality agreements surrounding Medigen vaccines, stating that negotiations with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are ongoing. As a publicly listed company, any decisions about publicizing the government contract require shareholders’ approval. Chen emphasizes the government’s belief in vaccination as the best measure against the pandemic. Medigen had positive results from phase one trials and clinical experiments, leading to phase two development. The World Health Organization (WHO) conducted unity trials with four other countries after being unable to proceed with phase three trials due to Taiwan’s low COVID-19 case statistics. Chen disputes rumors about a 30-year embargo on clinical results, calling it fake news and clarifying that all official documents have a preservation period. He also refutes accusations that over a thousand Medigen shareholders are members of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), calling them ＂imaginary numerical figures.＂ Chen hopes to disclose the information as soon as possible to maintain public trust, but it can only happen after negotiations and respecting existing confidentiality agreements.

The story is about Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate, declaring that Taiwan is aligning with global democratic allies and will not follow the old path of the Kuomintang (KMT). Lai made this statement during a presidential candidate debate when questioned about Taiwan’s ability to remain neutral amid U.S.-China competition. He emphasized President Tsai’s diplomatic strategy and his own role in garnering international support for Taiwan. Lai also responded to criticism from KMT’s presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, regarding his assistance during the pandemic. Lai argued that Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je lacks real achievements compared to President Tsai’s performance.

The Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, listed the ten major policy failures of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) during a livestream presidential debate. These failures include ineffective energy policies, food safety violations, deteriorated public security, debt burdening future generations, critical issues in people’s livelihoods, housing injustice, rising cross-strait military threats, plummeting wages, skyrocketing house prices, and ineffective pandemic responses. Hou elaborated on specific examples such as solar power corruption, tainted food black market dealings, overspending on ＂forward-looking＂ infrastructures, a lack of electricity and water, regulatory failure in the National Communications Commission (NCC), failed social housing policies, the threatening potential of military conflict, income inequality at a ten-year high, and around 20,000 deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hou expressed regret over his opponent, DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s campaign methods, accusing him of slander and displaying incompetence and unscrupulousness. Hou confirmed his opposition to Taiwanese independence while claiming that Lai advocated for it. He also criticized former Taipei Mayor and current Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je for not responding to this issue. Hou emphasized his lifelong pledge to remain loyal to the Republic of China’s flag and safeguard Taiwan’s democratic freedom.

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.

EVA Air, a Taiwanese airline, has announced a record six-month year-end bonus, the highest since its establishment. The bonus will also be distributed to its subsidiaries, including airport services, sky kitchens, and aviation technologies. In addition, EVA Air plans to adjust salaries for employees in 2024, with ground and cabin crew members seeing an average adjustment of NT$5,000 and pilots receiving adjustments ranging from NT$11,000 to NT$20,000 based on their position. However, this announcement comes amidst potential strike action by EVA Air pilots, leading to concerns that the wage increase announcements are an attempt to pacify them. The Taoyuan Flight Attendants’ Union has emphasized the importance of fair distribution of year-end bonuses and salary increases regardless of the proposed pilot action. Rival airlines Starlux and China Airlines have also announced their year-end bonuses, with Starlux providing a one-month bonus and an approved salary increase of NT$2,000, and China Airlines reportedly planning to distribute a three-month bonus (although the union is demanding five months’ worth). In the marine transportation industry, YangMing Marine Transport Corporation has scaled down its year-end bonus from 13 months last year to two months this year due to a downturn in the shipping industry. The shipping corporations’ lower year-end bonuses are attributed to the ＂revenge-travel boom＂ post-pandemic. Other industries with high year-end bonuses include finance, semiconductor, and construction, with 1.83, 1.38, and 1.23 months respectively.

The escalating Red Sea crisis prompts shipping companies to reroute, with ten shipping routes from Taipei and Kaohsiung passing through the Red Sea. The Houthi movement, favoring Iran, targets ships in the Red Sea, leading international and local shippers to prioritize safety by announcing delays or re-routing around the Cape of Good Hope. Shipping companies opt to navigate around the Cape or temporarily suspend services, expecting disruptions in ship schedules. The situation mainly affects regional operations and does not yet have global consequences, resulting in no congested ports like during the pandemic. National shipping lines have temporarily ceased accepting cargo for ports in Israel, with further assessments on route adjustments to be made.

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.

President Tsai Ing-wen emphasizes the need for a stable government in the face of future challenges in Taiwan. She expresses her hopes to entrust the nation to reliable individuals during her visit to Hsien Heng Temple. Tsai highlights the experience and comprehensive backgrounds of the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim. Reflecting on her own tenure, Tsai acknowledges the public support that has strengthened Taiwan’s economy. She discusses global events such as the pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia war, and Taiwan’s drought, noting Taiwan’s resilience and growing international support. Tsai emphasizes the importance of maintaining a parliamentary majority and urges the public to support the Lai-Hsiao ticket and cast their party votes for the DPP for a brighter future for Taiwan.

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.

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.

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.

Former President Ma Ying-jeou criticizes DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s opposition to the cross-strait services trade agreement, calling it ＂a screw loose＂ and accusing the DPP of questioning the policy’s benefits. Ma also highlights the DPP administration’s governance failures, including shortages of vaccines and rapid test kits during the pandemic. He emphasizes the stability of cross-strait relations under the ＂1992 Consensus＂ during his presidency, contrasting it with the increased military incursions under the DPP’s approach. Ma argues that opening up service trade with China would benefit Taiwanese professionals but has been hindered by the DPP’s interference.

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.

Three major food service companies in Taiwan, Jhu Jian Group, Family International Gourmet Co., Ltd., and Mercuries F&B Co., Ltd., are set to list on the emerging stock market next week. Jhu Jian Group will join the Pioneer Stock Board on Dec. 21 and plans to transition to the emerging stock market trading by Jan. 2, 2024. The group’s revenue has already surpassed that of the previous year, with projections indicating an expansion to 175 outlets by year’s end. Family International Gourmet Co., Ltd. will also list on Dec. 21, with a robust year-over-year revenue increase of 28.4% in the first eleven months. Mercuries F&B Co., Ltd. will enter the emerging stock market on Dec. 22, reporting an impressive revenue increase of 10.82% in the first eleven months. These listings reflect the strong recovery and growth in Taiwan’s food and beverage sector.

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.

Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) has successfully delivered four Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer aircraft to the Air Force base in Taitung, completing their annual contract goal of 17 aircraft. Despite media skepticism, AIDC managed to deliver five aircraft within the remaining month, overcoming challenges caused by the global pandemic. The quartet of Brave Eagles underwent rigorous testing and validation by the Air Force before leaving AIDC’s factory. AIDC’s procurement team negotiated with international suppliers to secure critical parts, ensuring the aircraft’s timely delivery. AIDC’s commitment to national defense missions and emphasis on safety and quality were highlighted by Chairman Hu and General Manager Ma. The Brave Eagle is a significant achievement in Taiwan’s defense autonomy, and AIDC plans to continue delivering aircraft on schedule next year to enhance the nation’s defensive capabilities.

Chinese children are increasingly experiencing antibiotic resistance when treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which poses a global health and economic concern. By 2050, drug-resistant diseases could result in healthcare costs of NT＄31 trillion and economic losses of up to NT＄106 trillion, according to the World Bank. The overuse of antibiotics has led to the rise of superbugs, diminishing the effectiveness of these medicines and compromising treatment outcomes. Azithromycin, a commonly used antibiotic in China for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, now faces an alarming resistance rate of nearly 80% to Macrolides. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of the dangers of antibiotic overuse and refers to the situation as a ＂silent pandemic.＂ WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expresses concern that antibiotic resistance could bring us back to an era where minor infections are untreatable.

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.

LINE TODAY, an information site by LY Corporation, reveals the top 10 news topics in 2023. Entertainment news, mainly linked to #MeToo movement sexual harassment incidents involving Taiwanese celebrities, tops the list. Coco Lee’s passing, a Hong Kong-American Mandarin pop singer-songwriter, ranks second. Relaxed pandemic policies causing a resurgence of viruses takes the third spot. Taiwanese people show high sensitivity to international affairs, reflected in comments and shares on the ＂TODAY Sees the World＂ channel. Popular polls and quizzes cover leisure, entertainment, livelihood, and policy topics, including Apple products, the president’s salary, and the ＂Slam Dunk＂ manga quiz.

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.

Following the pandemic, Taiwanese travelers have significantly increased their overseas spending, with credit card expenditures reaching new heights. The Financial Supervisory Commission reports a notable surge in tourism consumption, with Taiwanese visitors leading in Japanese spending.

The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) announced on Friday (Dec. 8) the progression of Kaohsiung Airport’s new terminal. With the preliminary engineering’s essential design phase completed, the project is set to be tendered, according to CAA official Lin Hung-hsien. The new terminal at Kaohsiung Airport marks the largest construction project following Taoyuan International Airport’s third terminal. This infrastructure advancement reflects Taiwan’s push to modernize its aviation facilities and enhance passenger capacity.