Coronavirus News | Office of Global Mandarin Education

On April 14, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that beginning 00:00 Taipei Standard Time on April 18, inbound travelers who have visited Europe and the Americas in the last 14 days (starting 00:00 Taipei Standard Time on April 4) should voluntarily present documents for home quarantine requirements before boarding. Such inbound travelers should stay at the hotels which provide rooms for individuals subject to home quarantine/isolation after entry if they live with people who are 65 years old or older, children 6 years old or under, persons with chronic disease (such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or lung disease), or persons who don’t have a separate room (including a separate bathroom). Furthermore, those who make a false health declaration will be fined up to NT$150,000. (Data source:Taiwan Centers for Disease Control)  

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced on April 14 that a trial run of the online ordering of 3D child-size face masks will begin from April 15 until April 17. The online ordering system, eMask, will automatically verify the NHI card data, and online order registration will be allowed for people 16 or under. A 3D face mask for children is less than 8 (length) x 12 (width) cm when folded in half. Please confirm the size of a children’s face mask before purchasing one. Additionally, the restriction on the age of persons who can buy child-size face masks will be reinstated starting April 23, allowing only persons 16 or under to buy children’s masks by using their NHI cards.   (Data source:Taiwan Centers for Disease Control)

First time in 36 days, Taiwan reports no new cases of Wuhan coronavirus TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) on Tuesday (April 14) announced that for the first time in 36 days there are no new cases of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) to report. During his daily press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Health Minister and CECC head Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) announced there were zero new coronavirus cases detected in the country that day. Chen said the last time Taiwan had reported zero new cases was March 9, meaning that Taiwan had gone 36 days with at least one coronavirus case. The vast majority of cases reported over this period were imported from other countries as Taiwanese citizens fled from hotspots in Europe, Asia, and North America. There were fears these imported cases would bring a second wave of domestic infections to the country. Out of Taiwan's total count of 393 cases, 338 were imported from abroad, while 55 were contracted locally. Of the confirmed cases, six have succumbed to the disease, while 124 have been released from hospital isolation. Fortunately, it appears the CECC's efforts at quickly identifying, isolating, and tracing contacts of confirmed cases have held the virus at bay, for now. In other good news, Chen said all 214 Taiwan citizens who were evacuated from Hubei province via charter plane on March 30 were released on Tuesday from home isolation and have begun self-health management. (Data Source:Taiwan News)

The government of Taiwan announced on April 1 that it was initiating a first wave of international humanitarian assistance in response to the continued spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, donating 10 million medical masks and other medical supplies to the US, Europe, and diplomatic allies. This has drawn praise and recognition from around the world. The masks donated to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies have already been shipped. Preparations for donations to the US are also proceeding smoothly, and will be explained separately by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Masks donated to the Netherlands arrived in Amsterdam on April 7, while those destined for other European countries were shipped on the evening of April 8 and early morning of April 9 and will be delivered to the EU member states Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, and Spain, as well as the Holy See, Switzerland, and the UK. These shipments will meet urgent demand for masks among frontline medical personnel, other relevant groups, and clergy who are in frequent contact with their flock. The completion within one week of relevant operations for this first wave of assistance announced on April 1 once again highlights the spirit of “Taiwan can help!” Indeed, the delivery of these urgently needed Taiwan-made medical supplies offers timely assistance to people in the US, Europe, and diplomatic allies. The significance of these shipments was further accentuated by the fact that they took place in just one week since its announcement, and within the parameter of celebrating World Health Day. Following this first wave, MOFA today announced a second wave of international humanitarian assistance. Taiwan will once again donate medical masks to support countries hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of six million masks will be shipped to EU member states in Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe, more severely affected states in the US, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, partner countries under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, and other friendly nations. Taiwan has also held discussions with Japan on donations to that country. Further announcements will be made when these discussions lead to concrete outcomes. Epidemic prevention and containment transcend national borders. Countries cannot fight COVID-19 alone. A strong defense against the disease can only be built through close mutual assistance for mutual benefit. As the international community endeavors to strengthen mechanisms to combat COVID-19, Taiwan stands willing and able to collaborate with other countries, and plays a role indispensable in overcoming the pandemic. Taiwan will continue to take concrete and substantive measures to show that Taiwan can help and Taiwan is helping, demonstrate the compassion and determination of its government and people, and reaffirm its sincere commitment to participating in international affairs. (Data Source : Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

I strongly protest the accusations today that Taiwan is instigating racist attacks in the international community. Taiwan has always opposed all forms of discrimination. For years, we have been excluded from international organizations, and we know better than anyone else what it feels like to be discriminated against and isolated. 　　 I want to take this opportunity to invite Director-General Tedros to visit Taiwan and experience for himself how committed the Taiwanese people are to engaging with and contributing to the world, even in the face of discrimination and isolation. 　　 Taiwan’s selfless medical workers and volunteers can be found around the world. The Taiwanese people do not differentiate by skin color or language; all of us are brothers and sisters. We have never let our inability to join international organizations lessen our support for the international community. 　　 Taiwan has poured all of its efforts into stopping the spread of COVID-19, and our achievements have received a great deal of attention from around the world. Despite being excluded from the WHO due to political manipulation, we have shouldered our responsibility as a member of the international community and taken the initiative to donate face masks and other supplies to medical workers in countries hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. 　　 #TaiwanCanHelp, and the spirit of Taiwan is Helping has never been influenced by nationality or race. 　　 Taiwan is dedicated to the values of freedom, democracy, diversity, and tolerance. We do not condone the use of racist remarks to attack those with different opinions. If Director-General Tedros could withstand pressure from China and come to Taiwan to see Taiwan’s efforts to fight COVID-19 for himself, he would be able to see that the Taiwanese people are the true victims of unfair treatment. I believe that the WHO will only truly be complete if Taiwan is included.     Tổng thống Thái Anh Văn đăng tải thông điệp của Đài Loan gửi đến thế giới sau cáo buộc của Tổng Giám đốc WHO cho rằng Đài Loan đang phân biệt chủng tộc. “Tôi phản đối mạnh mẽ những cáo buộc ngày hôm nay cho rằng, Đài Loan đang xúi giục các cuộc tấn công phân biệt chủng tộc trong cộng đồng quốc tế. Đài Loan luôn phản đối mọi hình thức phân biệt đối xử. Trong nhiều năm qua, chúng tôi đã bị bài trừ khỏi các tổ chức quốc tế và chúng tôi hiểu rõ hơn bất kỳ ai khác về cảm giác bị phân biệt đối xử và bị cô lập. Tôi muốn nhân cơ hội này, mời Tổng giám đốc Tedros đến thăm Đài Loan và tự mình chứng kiến việc người dân Đài Loan cam kết và đóng góp cho thế giới như thế nào, ngay cả khi đối mặt với việc bị phân biệt đối xử và bị cô lập. 　　 Nhân viên y tế và tình nguyện viên của Đài Loan hiện có mặt ở khắp nơi trên thế giới. Người Đài Loan không phân biệt màu da hay ngôn ngữ; tất cả chúng ta là anh chị em. Chúng tôi chưa bao giờ để mình không thể tham gia các tổ chức quốc tế hay giảm sự hỗ trợ của chúng tôi đối với cộng đồng quốc tế. Đài Loan đã dành tất cả những nỗ lực của mình vào việc ngăn chặn sự lây lan của dịch COVID-19 và những thành tựu của chúng tôi đã nhận được rất nhiều sự chú ý từ khắp nơi trên thế giới. Mặc dù bị cô lập khỏi WHO do thao túng chính trị, chúng tôi đã luôn gánh vác trách nhiệm của mình với tư cách là một thành viên của cộng đồng quốc tế và chủ động quyên góp khẩu trang và các vật dụng y tế khác cho nhân viên y tế ở các quốc gia chịu ảnh hưởng nặng nề nhất bởi đại dịch coronavirus. #TaiwanCanHelp (Đài Loan có thể giúp sức) và tinh thần “Đài Loan luôn hỗ trợ” chưa bao giờ bị ảnh hưởng bởi các yếu tố về quốc tịch hoặc chủng tộc. Đài Loan luôn nỗ lực vì những giá trị của tự do, dân chủ, sự đa dạng và khoan dung. Chúng tôi không tha thứ cho việc sử dụng các nhận xét về phân biệt chủng tộc để tấn công những người có ý kiến khác biệt. Nếu Tổng giám đốc Tedros có thể chịu được áp lực từ phía Trung Quốc và đến Đài Loan để chứng kiến những nỗ lực của Đài Loan đang tự mình chiến đấu với dịch COVID-19, ông sẽ có thể thấy rằng người dân Đài Loan là nạn nhân thực sự của sự đối xử bất công. Tôi tin rằng WHO sẽ chỉ thực sự hoàn thiện nếu có sự tham gia của Đài Loan.      Oggi protesto fermamente contro le accuse secondo cui Taiwan sta istigando attacchi razzisti nella comunità internazionale. Taiwan si è sempre opposta a tutte le forme di discriminazione. Per anni siamo stati esclusi dalle organizzazioni internazionali e conosciamo meglio di chiunque altro come ci si sente a essere discriminati e isolati. (N.d.T.: Il direttore generale del WHO Tedros ha accusato Taiwan di aggressione razzista https://newbloommag.net/2020/04/09/tedros-racism-comments/) Voglio cogliere l'occasione per invitare il direttore generale Tedros a visitare Taiwan e a verificare da solo quanto i taiwanesi siano impegnati a contribuire al mondo, anche di fronte alla discriminazione e all'isolamento. In tutto il mondo si trovano operatori sanitari e volontari di Taiwan che lavorano disinteressatamente. I taiwanesi non si differenziano per colore della pelle o lingua; tutti noi siamo fratelli e sorelle. Non abbiamo mai fatto mancare il nostro sostegno alla comunità internazionale, malgrado ci sia stato impedito di unirci alle organizzazioni internazionali. Taiwan ha investito tutte le sue forze per fermare la diffusione di COVID-19 e i nostri risultati hanno ricevuto molta attenzione da tutto il mondo. Nonostante la nostra esclusione dall'OMS a causa di manipolazioni politiche (della Cina, N.d.T.), abbiamo assunto la nostra responsabilità come membro della comunità internazionale e abbiamo donato maschere per il viso e altre forniture agli operatori sanitari nei paesi colpiti più duramente dalla pandemia da coronavirus. #TaiwanCanHelp e lo spirito di #Taiwanhelps, non sono mai stati influenzati dalla nazionalità o dalla razza. Taiwan è dedicata ai valori di libertà, democrazia, diversità e tolleranza. Non perdoniamo l'uso delle osservazioni razziste per attaccare coloro che hanno opinioni diverse. Se il direttore generale Tedros potesse resistere alle pressioni della Cina e venire a Taiwan per vedere da solo gli sforzi di Taiwan di combattere COVID-19, sarebbe in grado di vedere che il popolo taiwanese è la vera vittima di un trattamento ingiusto. Credo che l'OMS sarà veramente completa solo se Taiwan sarà inclusa.     Bugün #Tayvan'ın uluslararası toplumda ırkçı saldırıları tetiklediği yönündeki suçlamaları şiddetle protesto ediyorum. Tayvan her zaman her türlü ayrımcılığa karşı çıkmıştır. Yıllardır uluslararası kuruluşlardan dışlandık, ayrımcılığa uğramanın ve tecrit edilmenin nasıl hissettirdiğini herkesten daha iyi biliyoruz. Bu fırsatı değerlendirerek, Dünya Sağlık Örgütü (#DSÖ) Genel Direktörü Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Tayvanlıların ayrımcılık ve tecrit karşısında bile tüm dünyaya ile sıkı bağlar kurmaya ve dünyaya katkıda bulunmaya kararlı olduklarını deneyimlemek için Tayvan'ı ziyaret etmeye davet etmek istiyorum. 　　 Tayvan’ın özverili tıbbi çalışanları ve gönüllüleri dünya çapında bulunabilir. Tayvan halkı ten rengi veya diliyle farklılaşmaz; hepimiz kardeşiz. Uluslararası kuruluşlara katılamamamızın uluslararası topluma desteğimizi azaltmasına asla izin vermedik. 　　 Tayvan, tüm çabalarını COVID-19'un yayılmasını durdurmak için harcadı ve başarılarımız dünyanın dört bir yanından büyük ilgi gördü. Siyasi manipülasyon nedeniyle DSÖ'den dışlanmış olmasına rağmen, uluslararası topluluğun bir üyesi olarak sorumluluğumuzu omuzladık ve koronavirüs pandemisinin en çok zarar gördüğü ülkelerdeki sağlık çalışanlarına yüz maskeleri ve diğer malzemeleri bağışlamak için girişimde bulunduk. 　　 #TaiwanCanHelp ve Taiwan is Helping ruhu hiçbir zaman milliyet veya ırktan etkilenmemiştir. Tayvan özgürlük, demokrasi, çeşitlilik ve hoşgörü değerlerine kendini adamıştır. Farklı görüşlere sahip kişilere saldırmak için ırkçı açıklamaların kullanılmasına izin vermiyoruz. DSÖ Genel Direktörü Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Çin'den gelen baskıya direnebilir ve Tayvan'ın COVID-19 ile kendisi için mücadele çabalarını görmek için Tayvan'a gelirse, Tayvan halkının haksız muamelenin gerçek kurbanları olduğunu görebilirdi. Dünya Sağlık Örgütü'nün yalnızca Tayvan dahil edildiğinde gerçekten tamamlanacağına inanıyorum.     Presidentti Tsai esittää jyrkän vastalauseen väitteille, joiden mukaan Taiwan lietsoo rasistisia hyökkäyksiä. Taiwan on vuosien ajan jäänyt kansainvälisten organisaatioiden ulkopuolelle ja me tiedämme paremmin kuin kukaan miltä tuntuu olla syrjitty ja eristyksissä. Jos pääjohtaja Tedros kestäisi Kiinan suunnalta tulevan painostuksen ja tulisi Taiwaniin näkemään itse, kuinka taistelemme koronavirusta vastaan, hän ymmärtäisi, että taiwanilaiset ovat epäreilun kohtelun todelliset uhrit.       La Présidente Tsai proteste fortement contre les accusations que Taïwan serait à l’origine d’attaques racistes. Durant des années, Taïwan a été exclu des organisations internationales, et nous savons mieux que quiconque ce que l’on ressent lorsque l’on est discriminé et isolé. Si le Directeur général Tedros pouvait résister à la pression de la Chine et venir à Taïwan pour voir par lui-même nos efforts dans la lutte contre le COVID-19, il verrait que le peuple Taïwanais est la vraie victime de ce traitement injuste.   (Data source : Facebook of President Tsai)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) expresses profound regret and strong protest regarding the false accusations against our government made by World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and solemnly declares the following: 1. In a press conference at WHO in Geneva on April 8, Dr. Tedros groundlessly accused the government of Taiwan of having encouraged the Taiwanese people to discredit him. His unfounded accusations are seriously misleading to the international community. MOFA expresses profound regret and strongly protests this. 2. MOFA condemns all forms of discrimination, and regrets any biased statements made against Dr. Tedros. We understand how he feels given that the 23 million people of Taiwan have long experienced the serious political discrimination of the international health system. MOFA has stressed in a press release February 9 to urge individuals and associations to be rational when expressing support for Taiwan to gain participation in global public health and disease prevention networks. As to unidentified individuals of unknown nationality who have used the internet to criticize Dr. Tedros’s handling of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, such personal expressions of opinion are not associated with MOFA, and are not something over which MOFA has controlled. It is only reasonable that the people of the world should monitor the response of WHO and its leader, Dr. Tedros, to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Tedros’s unwarranted charges, made without any attempt at verification, are contrary to the facts and have caused serious damage to the government and people of Taiwan. Such slander is irresponsible, and the government of Taiwan demands that the Director-General immediately correct his trumped-up claims, issue a clarification, and apologize to the people of Taiwan. 3. Years of exclusion from the WHO system and the invaluable lessons learned from the 2003 SARS pandemic prompted Taiwan to very quickly take effective preventive and proactive response measures against COVID-19. This has minimized the impact on citizens’ daily lives through treatment, tracking, quarantine and mitigation, thus creating a widely recognized Taiwan Model that the international community hopes to learn from. In terms of supporting global cooperation to contain the pandemic, Taiwan has donated key supplies needed by frontline medical personnel in the countries most severely affected by the pandemic, including those in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Southeast Asia, to support medical personnel around the world as they are jointly in the frontline fighting this pandemic. Taiwan being granted full involvement in WHO would allow us to share our successful experience with the world more effectively, and actively contribute to prevention and containment efforts, thus putting an end to the pandemic as quickly as possible.   4. As head of WHO, Dr. Tedros should assume the duty to include all parties, since he emphasized “we are only as strong as we are united”.  The government of Taiwan once again calls on the Director-General to put aside all political discrimination, maintain neutrality and professionalism, invite Taiwan to fully participate in all WHO meetings and mechanisms regarding the fight against COVID-19, and restore Taiwan’s observer status in the World Health Assembly, for the health and well-being of the people of Taiwan and all the world.  (Data Source : Ministry of Foreign Affairs)