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In light of the recent occurrence of novel coronavirus cases in the Middle East, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) convened an expert meeting to assess the level of risk from the emergence of the novel coronavirus on September 27, 2012. Based on the available information, the current risk is determined to be low. Therefore, Taiwan CDC promulgated the inclusion of “severe respiratory disease associated with novel coronavirus” in the list of Category V Notifiable Infectious Disease. Relevant information such as case reporting guidelines, case definition, disease classification, specimen collection procedures, recommendations on infection control in healthcare settings will be subsequently posted on the Taiwan CDC’s website. The following conclusions were made at the meeting:

1. Since “severe respiratory disease associated with novel coronavirus” has been listed as a Category V Notifiable Infectious Disease, according to relevant regulations, medical institutes and personnel are required to report suspected cases of “severe respiratory disease associated with novel coronavirus” to the health authority within 24 hours of discovery.
2. The laboratory testing methods for detection of the novel coronavirus employed by Taiwan CDC is appropriate.
3. The interim recommendations on infection control for the novel coronavirus in healthcare settings made by Taiwan CDC is appropriate.

Taiwan will continue to closely monitor the epidemic situation, and adjust prevention and control strategies accordingly. For more information, please call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922, or  0800-024582 if calling from a cell phone, or visit the Taiwan CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw.