by Franklin Xue
December 31, 2019: A leak by Chinese whistleblower Li Wenliang warning of a highly contagious virus is noticed by Taiwanese CDC deputy chief Lo Yi-chun on an internet bulletin board. On the same day, measures were implemented to inspect all passengers inbound on flights from Wuhan, China. (1)
January 21: The first confirmed case of coronavirus in Taiwan is reported to officials at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. The carrier, a 55-year-old Taiwanese woman, was immediately placed in quarantine upon arrival at the airport. (2)
February 4: Taiwan’s foreign ministry announces that foreign travelers who have been in mainland China over the last 14 days will be barred from entering the island. Foreigners from Hong Kong and Macau are exempted and will still be able to enter. (3)
February 6: Restrictions are imposed on Hong Kong and Macau citizens, requiring travelers to undergo a 14-day quarantine after entering Taiwan. (4)
March 11: A group of 361 Taiwanese citizens repatriated from Wuhan arrive in Taiwan and immediately undergo a decontamination process overseen by the 33rd Chemical Warfare Group of the Taiwanese military. (5)
March 24: With 16 new cases announced, Taiwan’s total number of infected cases increases to 169. Travel controls are tightened as a suspension of transit airline passengers through Taiwan is announced to begin from March 24 to April 7. (6)
May 18: Despite lobbying efforts, Taiwan does not receive an invitation to a World Health Assembly meeting due to pressure from China. With only a reported 440 cases and 7 deaths, Taiwan claims that “to lock it out was to create a gap in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.” (7)
June 5: With only 443 total reported cases, Taiwan eases its social distancing restrictions, lifting the restrictions on number of people at public gatherings and removing social distancing seating arrangements. Masks are still asked to be worn. (8)
June 25: Taiwan eases its restrictions on transit passengers, allowing travelers to stay up to 8 hours at Taoyuan International Airport so long as they do not enter the island. Travelers from mainland China, however, are still barred. Chen Tsung-yen, deputy head of the Central Epidemic Command Center, also announces that foreign travelers would be able to enter Taiwan for non-tourism purposes starting June 29. A 14-day quarantine would be required upon arrival, but those traveling from specific low-risk locations may apply for a shorter quarantine period. (9)
(1) https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202004170016
(2) https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202001210019
(3) https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3048798/coronavirus-taiwan-deadly-virus-h1n1-flu