Q1: What impact will the start of the Fall-Winter COVID-19 Prevention Program on December 1, 2020, have on arriving travelers? What quarantine regulations must travelers follow?
A1:
1.After the start of this program, regardless of their nationality (including R.O.C. nationals and foreign nationals with an Alien Residence Certificate) or travel purpose (for study, work, diplomatic affairs, etc.), travelers who arrive at an airport in Taiwan must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days (working days) prior to the flight schedule time to the airline staff before they can board their flight.
2.Apart from presenting a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report prior to boarding, travelers must also use their mobile phone to log into the Quarantine System for Entry when checking in or prior to boarding at the place of departure and fill out the health declaration form. Furthermore, they must undergo home quarantine and observe other relevant epidemic prevention measures after entry.
※The "flight schedule time" refers to the flight schedule time announced by the airline company; travelers shall arrange a COVID-19 test and obtain the test report in time based on the flight schedule time.

Q2: After the start of the Fall-Winter COVID-19 Prevention Program, must R.O.C nationals, foreign nationals holding an Alien Residence Certificate (ARC) or a resident visa, and persons managed under special ministry and agency programs (foreign diplomats, migrant workers, and foreign students, etc.) present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time before boarding their flight?
A2:
1.After the implementation of this program, all travelers arriving at an airport in Taiwan or transit passengers at an airport in the country must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report before boarding.
2.The CECC has issued the "Entry quarantine application procedures for travelers who cannot present COVID-19 RT-PCR test reports prior to boarding". If travelers are R.O.C. nationals, foreign nationals holding an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), or persons from Hong Kong, Macao, and mainland China who hold an ARC and travelers are also applicable persons under these application procedures, such travelers are exempted from providing such a test report; please see Q10 for the application procedures.

Q3: Why does the Fall-Winter COVID-19 Prevention Program require that all travelers arriving at an airport in Taiwan or transit passengers must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time regardless of their nationality or the purpose of their visit to Taiwan?
A3:
1.Due to the severity of the international COVID-19 pandemic, plus the approach of Christmas, winter vacation, and Chinese New Year, the number of arriving travelers is expected to rise in the last part of this year and early next year. To ensure that the movement of people does not increase the risk of disease transmission, to maintain air travel safety, and to ensure the effectiveness of Taiwan's measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic, the Central Epidemic Command Center has announced that this plan will be implemented from December 1, 2020, (local time at the place of departure) to February 28, 2021. To protect against community spread and maintain citizens' health, travelers are therefore asked to present their COVID-19 RT-PCR test report prior to boarding. 
2.The goal of overseas testing is to ensure that travelers and airlines gain an understanding of travelers' health conditions prior to boarding, and enable airlines to take appropriate preventive measures based on travelers' infection risk for the purpose of reducing the chance that COVID-19 will be transmitted on a flight. In addition, if testing is only performed after travelers enter the country, this might keep a large number of travelers at airports to await testing, which would also increase the chance of infection. 
3.The requirement requesting travelers to provide RT-PCR test reports is imposed in accordance with Subparagraph 2, Paragraph 1, Article 58 of the Communicable Disease Control Act, which states that detailed and accurate communicable disease records shall be submitted in accordance with the central competent authority's regulations, and verification of health conditions or other relevant documents shall be submitted as needed; those who violate these regulations shall be fined NT$10,000-150,000 in accordance with Article 69 of this Act. 

Q4: Where can I obtain a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time? Do I need to pay for it myself, or does the government cover my testing expenses? Is it difficult to obtain such a test report? 
A4: (accompanying measures)
1.In principle, a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report must be issued by a legally-established hospital or clinic (including medical testing laboratories) at the place of departure, and testing expenses shall be paid by travelers themselves.
2.Taiwan has been requesting foreign nationals coming to the country to present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time since July 2020. According to a survey taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the medical systems of most other countries possess the COVID-19 testing capability (especially those countries/areas with direct flights to Taiwan). 
3.Since the entry measure that requires foreign nationals coming to Taiwan to present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report was enforced in July, 2020, the implementation has been smooth, and most travelers have been able to obtain test reports. If overseas nationals need to take a COVID-19 RT-PCR test, it is recommended they contact the health authority of the place of departure, the airline, or the R.O.C. missions abroad to inquire about the list of local medical institutions capable of providing a COVID-19 RT-PCR test. 

Q4-1: If a traveler has a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued by an EU member state (such as France), can the traveler board a flight to Taiwan in another country (such as Germany or the Netherlands)?
A4-1:  
If a traveler enters another country (such as going from an EU member state to another member state) or area (such as going from mainland China to Hong Kong or Macao) by means of transportation, such as by car, train, or boat, other than by air, before boarding a flight to Taiwan, as long as the format and information of test report fully comply with requirements, and the test report is issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time, the traveler may board their flight to Taiwan; such a traveler must also abide by border quarantine measures imposed by the local government of the place of departure and comply with terms and conditions and policies concerning providing services to passengers issued by each airline.

Q4-2: If a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report provided by a traveler is issued by the local pharmacy or community medical testing station, does the test report meet the requirements?
A4-2:
COVID-19 testing services vary from country to country. If local and legally-established pharmacies or community medical testing stations provide COVID-19 RT- PCR testing services, and the content of test reports issued by these institutions meets the requirements set forth by Taiwan for a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time, then such test reports are deemed to meet the requirements.

Q5: What is the format of a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time? How is the three-day period calculated with respect to the test report? Is the day of boarding included? 
A5: (accompanying measures)
1.Travelers must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued by a legally-established hospitals and clinics at the place of departure within 3 working days prior to the flight schedule time. As a rule, the test report must be written in English, Chinese, or both Chinese and English (bilingual version); its format and the signature should be made in accordance with the requirements of the local health authority. The content of the result must include the name on the passport of the traveler, the date of birth or passport number, specimen collection date and test report date, the virus name, testing method, and interpretation of results, etc. The 3-day period prior to the flight schedule time of such a test report shall be calculated based on the test report date and working days; therefore, national holidays in the country/region where the traveler takes the COVID-19 test (including weekends) may be excluded.
2.Taking the period of December 1-10, 2020, as an example, (December 5 (Saturday) and December 6 (Sunday) are weekend days), related calculations and explanations are as follows:  
(1) If a traveler takes a flight on December 4 (counting backwards 3 days from the date before the flight date, without counting the flight date), that traveler must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued on December 1 or later.
(2) If a traveler takes a flight on December 7 (counting backwards 3 days from the date before the flight date, without counting the flight date or the weekend days of December 5 and December 6), that traveler must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued on December 2 or later.
3.If a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report presented by a traveler contains only the "specimen collection date", without "the test report date", then the "specimen collection date" will be used to calculate whether the test report meets the within-3-day period requirement.
※The "flight schedule time" refers to the flight schedule time announced by the airline company; travelers shall arrange a COVID-19 test and obtain the test report in time based on the flight schedule time.

Q5-1: What should people do if their name on their COVID-19 RT-PCR test report is written in a different order from that on their passport (or if their middle name is missing, etc.)?
A5-1:
If a traveler's name on his or her COVID-19 RT-PCR test report is written in a different order from that on his or her passport, for example, when the name on a traveler's RT-PCR test report is shown as HUANG XIAO MING, while the name on that traveler's passport is XIAO MING HUANG; or when the name on a traveler's RT-PCR test report is shown as GEORGE BUSH, while the name on his or her passport is GEORGE WALKER BUSH, if the airline determines that both names refer to the same person based on the date of birth (or passport number), that traveler may be allowed to board the flight.

Q5-2: In the case where the name on a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report presented by a traveler with dual nationality is their foreign name on their US passport (or passport from another country) and is different from the name on the traveler's R.O.C. (Taiwan) passport presented at the time of boarding (such as by bearing one's husband's last name), will that traveler still be allowed to board the flight?
A5-2:
The traveler must voluntarily present both passports for inspection. If the airline staff determines on the basis of the passport photos and date of birth (or passport number) that they belong to the same traveler, that traveler will be allowed to board the flight.

Q6: If a traveler transfers to Taiwan through a third place, which voyage is the three-day period of a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report be based on?
A6: (accompanying measures)
1.In principle, the three-day period would be counted from the first boarding time. However, if the traveler transfers through and stays at the third place for more than 3 days (including transfers on both domestic and international flights), the three-day period would refer to 3 days prior to the flight schedule time of the following connecting flight to Taiwan.
2.Furthermore, in accordance with the guidelines and handbooks for flight operations issued by international organizations (such as IATA and WHO), in order to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members on the same flight, airlines may request that travelers must present relevant health certificates before boarding. Accordingly, if the related regulations are not applicable to the traveler's transfer flight to Taiwan (especially when the traveler takes a flight run by non-R.O.C. carriers), it is recommended that the traveler first consult the airline to ensure a smooth journey.

Case:
6-1. A traveler takes a domestic flight from Atlanta, USA (place of departure) to Los Angeles (third place) to transfer, and then takes an international flight to Taiwan from Los Angeles. If the traveler does not stay in Los Angeles for more than 3 days, the traveler only has to present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time at the place of departure (Atlanta); the traveler does not need to undergo testing again at the third place.

6-2.  A traveler takes an international flight from Kenya (place of departure) to a city in the Middle East ("a third place" or "City D"), and then takes a connecting flight to Taiwan. If the traveler does not stay in City D for more than 3 days, then that traveler only has to present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time at the place of departure, and the traveler does not need to undergo testing again at the third place. However, if the airline company of the connecting flight the traveler takes in City D has special regulations, for instance, requiring that travelers must have a COVID-19 test report before they may board the flight, the traveler must comply with those regulations.

6-3. A traveler takes an international flight from Nigeria (place of departure) to mainland China (third place), and takes a connecting flight to Taiwan in mainland China. If the traveler does not stay in mainland China for more than 3 days, then that traveler only has to present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time at the place of departure, and the traveler does not need to undergo testing again at the third place. However, if mainland China has special regulations (such as requiring that passengers travel between Taiwan and mainland China must present a COVID-19 test report before boarding), the traveler must comply with those regulations. 

Q7:  If a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time provided by travelers is not in English but another language, such as Chinese, French, or Spanish, how should it be handled? Is a photocopy or an electronic file of a test report acceptable?
A7: (accompanying measures)
1.In principle, a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time presented by travelers shall be in English, Chinese, or both Chinese and English (bilingual version). 
2.In cases where the traveler provides a French- or Spanish-language COVID-19 test report, other than Chinese or English, if the test report is in the official language of the place of departure, and the airline is capable of assisting in the inspection of the content, such as the traveler's name and passport number, the specimen collection date and test report date, the test requested, testing method, and results, the test report may be accepted and the traveler may be allowed to board.
3.The test report, whether it is the original copy, a photocopy or in electronic form, can be accepted as long as its content and all required fields, such as specimen collection date, test report date, personal information sufficient to identify the traveler, testing method, and test results, are clear and identifiable and must be deemed complete after review. In addition, if the test report provided by the traveler is untruthful, the traveler will be penalized in accordance with laws.

Q8: What items are required for a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time?
A8: (accompanying measures)
1.A test report must be a nucleic acid test, a molecular biology technique for testing, and must contain the following: the name on the passport of the traveler, the date of birth (or passport number) of the traveler, the virus name (COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2), specimen collection date, test report date, the test method (PCR, real-time PCR, RT-PCR, RT-qPCR （Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR）, NAA (nucleic acid amplification), NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test), NAT (nucleic acid test), LAMP（Loop/Mediated isothermal Amplification）, RT-LAMP, COVID-19 RNA test, SARS-CoV-2 RNA test, or molecular diagnostics), and the interpretation result of "negative" or "undetectable."
2.Immunoserologic testing, which detects the presence of any antigens (Ag) or antibodies (IgG or IgM), is not molecular biology nucleic acid testing and thus, does not comply with the requirements for an English-language COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time.

Q9: If a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued in mainland China does not include the traveler's date of birth or passport number (for example, the test report does not include the item or only requires the number of a Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents), what should the traveler do?
A9: (accompanying measures)
1.A COVID-19 RT-PCR test report must contain items, including the name on the passport of the traveler, date of birth (or passport number), specimen collection date and test report date, the virus name, testing method, and interpretation of test result, in accordance with the requirements. If the traveler's date of birth or passport number is missing, the traveler can ask the hospital to add the traveler's date of birth or passport number and can provide signature on the report; the annotation and signature must be clearly identifiable, or the airline must confirm that the signature belongs to the traveler, before the traveler may be allowed to board.
2.Furthermore, if the content of a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report provided by a traveler returning to Taiwan from mainland China contains the following fields: the name on the passport or Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents of the traveler, date of birth (or passport number or Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents number), specimen collection date and test report date, the virus name, testing method, and interpretation of test result, the test report complies with requirements. When mainland Chinese use a Taiwan Travel Permit for Mainland Residents (Mainland Resident Travel Permit) to visit Taiwan, their test report must include their passport number or Mainland Resident Travel Permit number.

Q10：If it is difficult to obtain a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report overseas, can travelers be exempted from providing such a test report under certain circumstances? Can travelers undergo testing after they enter Taiwan?
A10: (Accompanying measures)
1.In accordance with the CECC's "Entry quarantine application procedures for travelers who cannot present COVID-19 RT-PCR test reports prior to boarding" (please see the Border Quarantine section of the Fall-Winter COVID-19 Prevention Program on the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website; https://reurl.cc/Y6NbkO), if travelers cannot present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report, but meet the following four conditions, they shall be exempt from penalties; such four conditions are only applicable to R.O.C.(Taiwan) nationals, foreign nationals holding Alien Residence Certificates, and persons from Hong Kong, Macao, and mainland China who hold an ARC; those conditions are not applicable to travelers transferring between flights in Taiwan.
(1)Emergency situations: this includes situations where the traveler must return home for the funeral after the death of a relative within the second degree of kinship; the traveler must visit a relative within the second degree of kinship who is gravely ill; and the special emergency medical care program is applicable to the traveler. The traveler must proactively present an entry quarantine affidavit for a traveler who is unable to present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report prior to boarding ("Affidavit") and verifying documents (attach document verifying the death of a relative, notice of critical illness, or certificate of diagnosis, etc.) when checking in with the airline at the airport. The traveler must also sit in a designated area on the aircraft arranged by the airline; upon entry, the traveler must receive self-paid testing.
(2)The traveler is traveling to Taiwan from a place of departure which has been announced as a country/region where COVID-19 RT-PCR test reports cannot be obtained by the CECC. The traveler must proactively present an entry quarantine affidavit when checking in with the airline at the airport. The traveler must also sit in a designated area on the aircraft arranged by the airline; upon entry, the traveler must receive self-paid testing.
(3)Persons managed under agency programs that have received the CECC's approval: if the traveler comes to Taiwan for necessary and short-term official business or business affairs, and has taken preventive measures while overseas. The traveler must proactively present an entry quarantine affidavit and verifying documents when checking in with the airline at the airport. The traveler must also sit in a designated area on the aircraft arranged by the airline; upon entry, the person's case is handled in accordance with epidemic prevention and quarantine measures approved under a special program.
(4)Other persons announced by the CECC: for example, those who have departed from Taiwan and returned within 3 days; please refer to Q10-2 for details. Such travelers must proactively present an entry quarantine affidavit and verifying documents when checking in with the airline at the airport. They must also sit in a designated area on the aircraft arranged by the airline; they must receive self-paid testing upon entry.
2.If travelers are unable to present a COVID-19 PCR test report due to other special reasons, they should obtain the airline's consent in advance; present the entry quarantine affidavit  and verifying documents when checking in with the airline; and sit in a designated area on the aircraft arranged by the airline. Upon entry, travelers must also undergo self-paid testing. If the reasons listed don't meet the requirements for test report exceptions, such travelers will be penalized according to laws.
3.Travelers who cannot present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report and return to Taiwan without completing the above-mentioned procedures shall sit in a designated area on the aircraft arranged by the airline and shall undergo self-paid testing upon entry; such travelers may not receive disease prevention compensation, and they shall be fined from NT$10,000 to 150,000 in accordance with Articles 58 and 69 of the Communicable Disease Control Act. Furthermore, those who are confirmed to have COVID-19 and are suspected of having infected other persons must bear relevant criminal liability.

Q10-1：How do travelers obtain the list of "Countries where COVID-19 RT-PCR test reports cannot be obtained"?
A10-1：
1.The list of "Countries where COVID-19 RT-PCR test reports cannot be obtained" will be regularly announced and updated by the CECC; the list are available for travelers to view on the Border Quarantine section of the Fall-Winter COVID-19 Prevention Program Taiwan CDC's website (https: //www.cdc.gov.tw/).
2.Travelers may contact the R.O.C. representative office in the country where they are located for further information concerning visa application and entry control measures, or may browse the information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website (https: //www.mofa.gov.tw/).

Q10-2：What is “other persons announced by the CECC” under the CECC's "Entry quarantine application procedures for travelers who cannot present COVID-19 RT-PCR test reports prior to boarding"?
A10-2：
Under this condition “other persons announced by the CECC”, such other persons, after signing the entry quarantine affidavit and providing verifying documents, may enter Taiwan and take a self-paid COVID-19 test without being subject to penalties. The following persons are included:
1.Those who have departed from Taiwan and returned within 3 days: they must present verifying documents, such as the exit record/date on the inside page of the passport or the ticket stub of an exit ticket from Taiwan (those who use e-Gates services without having an exit record on their passport). For example, an R.O.C. national leaves on December 1, he or she doesn’t need to provide a COVID-19 PCR test report if the scheduled arrival time of the flight to Taiwan is before 24:00 on December 4.
2.Infants and young children aged 0-6 years old (under 7 years old): the passport of an infant or child under 7 years old or other documents verifying the date of birth must be provided.
3.Travelers who provide an overdue COVID-19 RT-PCR test report due to a flight cancellation: they must present the original flight booking information and the original COVID-19 PCR test.
4.Persons who accompany travelers in emergency situations: they must provide the Affidavit of those in emergency situations and other verifying information.

Q10-3：What format must verifying documents required under the "Entry quarantine application procedures for travelers who cannot present COVID-19 RT-PCR test reports prior to boarding" have?
A10-3：
1.Verifying documents, such as the death certificate of a relative within the second degree of kinship, or the notice of critical illness or certificate of diagnosis of a relative within the second degree of kinship, that are required in emergency situation cases must have been issued by a hospital, clinic, or health center approved by the R.O.C. government. Because such verifying documents must be presented to the airline at the place of departure for inspection, we recommend that the content be in English or in both Chinese and English.
2.When travelers who have departed from Taiwan and returned within 3 days meet the CECC's requirements for travelers not required to present test reports upon arrival in Taiwan, such travelers must attach their recent entry/exit records, such as the exit date on the inside page of their passport and the ticket stub of an exit ticket from Taiwan, or attach other verifying documents to facilitate inspection by the airline.
3.Infants and young children aged 0-6 (under 7 years old): the passport of an infant or child under 7 years old or other documents verifying the date of birth must be provided..
4.Travelers who provide an overdue COVID-19 RT-PCR test report due to a flight cancellation: they must present the original flight booking information and original COVID-19 RT-PCR test report.
5.Persons who accompany travelers in emergency situations: they must present the Affidavit of those in emergency situations and other verifying information.
6.Travelers must present verifying documents to explain that they will be unable to present RT-PCR test reports for other special reasons.
※While test reports may be on paper (original/photocopy) or in electronic form, and the content must be clearly legible to facilitate inspection by the airline and Taiwan's airport quarantine staff.

Q10-4：When an R.O.C. national applies for the entry applications procedures due to an emergency situation to attend a relative's funeral, if the funeral for the person's deceased relative has already been held, but the person wishes to assist in the handling of the inheritance and other matters connected with the deceased relative, does that person still meet the condition for entering Taiwan for emergency situations where travelers are exempted from presenting a test report under the procedures?
A10-4：
When the person must come to Taiwan to attend the funeral of a relative within the second degree of kinship (including for the purpose of helping arrange the funeral, attending the funeral, or handling of partition of the inheritance and other matters connected with the deceased), based on humanitarian considerations, such person is not required to provide a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report when applying to come to Taiwan; however, the person wishing to come to Taiwan for funeral matters must submit an application within 100 days of the day after the relative's death, and must receive self-paid testing upon entry.

Q10-5：When travelers are not required to present test reports upon arrival in Taiwan due to meeting the CECC's requirements for those who have departed from Taiwan and returned within 3 days, is this exemption applicable to travel to any countries from Taiwan?
A10-5：
Yes, R.O.C. nationals who exit from Taiwan, travel to any countries, and return to Taiwan within 3 days are exempted from presenting COVID-19 RT-PCR test reports, and shall not be subject to any penalties. However, they must attach an entry quarantine affidavit and verifying documents, such as the exit record on the inside page of the passport or the ticket stub of an exit ticket from Taiwan, and must receive self-paid testing upon entry.

Q10-6：Is the condition“other persons announced by the CECC”  applicable to infants or young children aged 0-6 years old (under 7 years old) whose parents are R.O.C. nationals and who want to return Taiwan to apply for household registration? After they sign the entry quarantine affidavit and provide verifying documents, are they allowed to enter Taiwan and take a self-paid COVID-19 test without being subject to penalties?
A10-6:
The entry of infants and young children aged 0-6 years old (under 7 years old) whose parents are (or one parent is) R.O.C. nationals, after applying for a passport without personal ID number and MULTIPLE RE-ENTRY PERMIT, is deemed to be entry of R.O.C nationals; therefore, the condition "other persons announced by the CECC” under the CECC's "Entry quarantine application procedures for travelers who cannot present COVID-19 RT-PCR test reports prior to boarding" is applicable to such infants and children. Thus, after signing the entry quarantine affidavit and providing verifying documents, they may enter Taiwan and take a self-paid COVID-19 test without being subject to penalties.

Q11：If my COVID-19 RT-PCR test report exceeds 3 days due to flight delays, do I need to take another test?
A11：
The COVID-19 RT-PCR test report is calculated based on the "flight schedule time" announced by the airline. It will not be affected by flight delays and doesn't constitute an overdue situation. The traveler may be allowed to board the flight without another test.

Q12 : If a traveler received a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued by a legally-established hospital and clinic at the place of departure early (exceeding 3 days prior to the flight schedule time) or didn't receive it due to a delayed delivery (not received before boarding), can the airline allow the traveler to board the flight to Taiwan?
A12 :
1.If the traveler fails to provide a valid test report due to an early or a delayed delivery of the nucleic acid test report issued by a legally-established hospital and clinic at the place of departure, the traveler shall present the entry quarantine affidavit for a traveler who is unable to present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report prior to boarding ("Affidavit") and verifying documents (a testing receipt or documents proving specimen collection). The traveler must also sit in a designated area on the aircraft arranged by the airline; upon entry, the traveler must receive self-paid testing.
2.Travelers are advised to inquire about the delivery time of the test report when undergoing a COVID-19 RT-PCR test at a hospital or clinic at the place of departure to make sure the test report can be provided within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time. When the delivery of a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report from legally-established hospitals and clinics at the place of departure is delayed, and the traveler has presented the Affidavit and verifying documents and boarded the plane, the traveler may be exempted from self-paid testing upon entry if he or she can receive the test report upon arrival in Taiwan and prior to entry and the test report has been inspected by airport quarantine personnel.

Q13: If a person arrives at a port in Taiwan by ship, is the Fall-Winter COVID-19 Prevention Program applicable to the person? Must he or she provide a COVID-19 PCR test report?
A13:
1.All inbound ships entering international ports in Taiwan from other countries (boundaries) shall submit entry quarantine applications to Taiwan Centers for Disease Control within 4 to 72 hours before arrival; the shipmaster is also required to truthfully report the health status of crewmembers upon entry, and Taiwan CDC will conduct a variety of quarantine and preventive measures, such as health assessments and referral for specimen collection, for inbound crewmembers.
2.In consideration of characteristics of ships on international voyages (i.e. long voyage distances and people on board are often not permitted to leave the ship to undergo testing at the ports of other countries) and the difficulty in obtaining a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report for people on board ships on international voyages, the Fall-Winter COVID-19 Prevention Program does not apply to those who arrive at a port in Taiwan by ship, and thus they are exempted from providing a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report.

Q14: The CECC announced that it would tighten quarantine measures for travelers coming to Taiwan starting from 00:00 am on January 15, 2021. What are the important matters related to tightened measures? 
A14:
Apart from the original requirement of providing a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within three days prior to the flight schedule time, arriving travelers shall also provide proof of the place of quarantine where travelers stay to undergo quarantine (in principle, the place shall be a group quarantine facility or quarantine hotel; those who choose to undergo quarantine at home shall make an affidavit to declare they have met the requirement of one person per residence). The tightened home quarantine measures are the same for those entering via seaport. Entry quarantine measures will be adjusted on a rolling basis depending on the status of the pandemic and implementation of those measures.

Q15: If a traveler arriving in Taiwan provides an untruthful test report or he/she refuses, evades or obstructs related measures, will the traveler be subject to penalties?
A15:
1.If a traveler arriving in Taiwan provides an untruthful test report or he/she refuses, evades or obstructs related quarantine measures, such traveler may be fined from NT$10,000 to NT$150,000.
2.If a traveler arriving in Taiwan provides a forged or altered COVID-19 RT-PCR test report, such traveler will be fined NT$150,000 and transferred to law enforcement; if the traveler fails to cooperate with the self-paid testing measure upon arrival, he or she will be fined NT$50,000; if the traveler voluntarily informs quarantine officers that he or she does not have a test report and returns to Taiwan, the traveler will be fined NT$10,000. All travelers are required to follow the Fall-Winter COVID-19 Prevention Program.

Q1. What is the Quarantine System for Entry?
In response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Taiwan has established the  Quarantine System for Entry (referred to as the Entry Quarantine System). As long as you enter Taiwan from abroad, you can use your smartphone to make an online health declaration within 48 hours before your flight arrives in Taiwan and fill in your health status and travel history; this Entry Quarantine System can help speed up your customs clearance when entering the country.

Q2. Who can use the Entry Quarantine System?
As long as you have a smartphone with Internet access, you can use it regardless of the nationality and age (including minors under 18).

Q3. How can I enter the Entry Quarantine System?
You only need to scan the QR Code directly with your smartphone or click on the following URL: https://hdhq.mohw.gov.tw/Default1?openExternalBrowser=1 to visit the system. When you are abroad and before returning to Taiwan, you can use the wireless network at the airport of departure or the international roaming service of your mobile phone plan to enter the system to fill in the online health declaration; if you have returned to an airport in Taiwan, it is recommended you use 4G Internet to complete the health declaration to speed up the process. If there is no 4G Internet connection, you can use the wireless network at the airport.

Q4. How do I complete the online declaration?
Step 1: Scan the QR-Code with your smartphone or click on the following link to enter the system: https://hdhq.mohw.gov.tw/.
Step 2: Enter data into each field in order to complete the online declaration.
Step 3: Turn on your phone after arriving in Taiwan, and an electronic health declaration receipt will be sent to your phone via text message.
Step 4: Go to the place where you should provide your quarantine notice, and show your health declaration receipt on your mobile phone for verification by the on-site personnel.

Q5. If my smartphone does not have Internet access, can I still use the Entry Quarantine System?
Yes, as long as you make sure that your phone number can send and receive SMS normally, you can log into the Internet through free Wi-Fi provided by the airport; connect to the Entry Quarantine System; and complete the online declaration. After these steps, the system will send a text message to your mobile phone.

Q6. Can passengers share mobile phones?
In order to carry out digital tracking and follow-up care at the community level, inbound passengers are required to have a phone number of a telecom service provider in Taiwan (a SIM card can be purchased at the airport of arrival in Taiwan) and to use their personal mobile phone (1 person, 1 phone) to make the health declaration. However, under special circumstances (for example, the passenger is a child under 12 years old) and when the passenger will undergo home quarantine with another person in the same location, they can complete the health declaration through a shared mobile phone.

Q7. I have been living abroad for a long time, and my Taiwan mobile phone SIM card has expired or has been disabled, what should I do?
You can apply for a new SIM card to a telecom service provider on site (near the place where you submit your quarantine notice), or apply to reactivate your SIM card.

Q8. Why can't I receive the text messages? How do I solve this problem?
If you have correctly completed the declaration form on the Entry Quarantine System, the system will not send a text message until you arrive in Taiwan. If you still cannot receive the text message after returning to Taiwan, you can follow the steps below to troubleshoot the problem:
1. Check the accuracy of personal information
(1) Check whether the passport number or travel document number on the Entry Quarantine System is consistent with the document number used when purchasing the flight ticket.
(2) Please reconfirm whether the mobile phone number entered into the Entry Quarantine System is correct before sending it.
(3) If your nationality is not Republic of China (Taiwan), please click the "No Passport Click here" button for your ID card/resident certificate ID card No./ARC No. This will automatically fill in the field for your passport number.
2. SMS sending and receiving settings on you mobile phone
(1) Please make sure that your phone can normally make and receive calls or send and receive text messages. If your phone is set to airplane mode during the flight, please turn off airplane mode and restart your phone to send and receive text messages normally.
(2) Please check your phone's brand and model and whether it has a message filtering function; if you have a Huawei phone (call settings → menu → harassment interception) or a Xiaomi phone (security center → harassment interception → settings).
3. Please ask the airport quarantine personnel to use the troubleshooting function. After confirming your passport number, name, and other information, a text message will be sent to you.

Q9. If I assist my family members to fill out the declaration on computer before boarding, will I receive a text message?
Passengers must use their smartphone to make an online declaration within 48 hours before the plane arrives in Taiwan. When they arrive in Taiwan, they will receive the text message. If you do not receive the text message when you arrive in Taiwan, you can contact the airport quarantine personnel for assistance.

Q10. If I have a mobile phone number for international roaming, why do I need to apply for a domestic mobile phone number when entering the country?

1. As long as your mobile phone has international roaming, you will receive text messages, but the roaming number cannot be effectively used to carry out personal health care and follow-up after you enter the country. Therefore, inbound passengers must apply for a Taiwan mobile phone number to facilitate the management and support care services provided by the civil affairs bureau and local borough chief.
2. You should use a Taiwan mobile phone number to make a health declaration and receive an electronic health declaration receipt. If you do not have a Taiwan mobile phone number, you can make your declaration with your roaming number at the place of departure (an overseas station of the airline company). Once you arrive in Taiwan, you will need to purchase a SIM card of a Taiwan telecom service provider at the airport of arrival and install it before entering the country.

Q11. For passengers arriving in Taiwan via a third place from the place of departure, which flight number should be entered in the Entry Quarantine System?
According to the current regulations, passengers should use their mobile phone to complete the declaration on the Entry Quarantine System before boarding their plane. Therefore, passengers should provide their flight number they take at the actual place of departure (not place of transit) on the Entry Quarantine System. For example, a passenger departs from Paris, France on flight MM99, then transfers to Hong Kong, and takes flight KK123 to Taiwan. Please select France for the Country/Region of Departure; please provide the flight number of your departure (MM99).
 

Q1:For what purposes may foreign nationals and Hong Kong and Macao residents presently apply to enter Taiwan starting from January 1, 2021?
A1:
1.Foreign nationals: Foreign nationals may enter Taiwan if they hold an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC); for diplomatic or official business; to fulfill contractual obligations; for special humanitarian reasons; when they are the spouse or the underage child of an R.O.C. national; or when they obtain other special permission.
2.Hong Kong and Macao residents:Hong Kong and Macao residents may enter Taiwan if they hold an ARC; to fulfill contractual obligations; as part of internal transfers within multinational enterprises; when they are the spouse or the underage child of an R.O.C. national.
Note: Please refer to the "Restrictions on Entering Taiwan-1/3-Nationals, Foreigner Nationals" on the website of the National Immigration Agency of the Ministry of the Interior (https://reurl.cc/g8mzpV) for the latest information concerning entry measures.

Q2:What commercial/business activities may foreign nationals come to Taiwan to engage in? How does this differ from the directive issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 18 concerning those fulfilling commercial and contractual obligations?
A2:
The purposes currently accepted for coming to Taiwan for commercial reasons include such business activities as goods inspection,after-sales service, technical guidance and training, and signing contracts. An applicant must present relevant documentary evidence to a foreign mission abroad when applying for a special entry permit. For any further questions, please contact the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Q3:Through which agency or authorized institution should foreign nationals and Hong Kong and Macao residents apply for an entry permit?
A3:
Foreign nationals should submit an application for an entry permit to an R.O.C. overseas mission. Hong Kong and Macao residents should submit an application for an entry permit to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong or Macao.

Q4:What are quarantine measures for foreign nationals and Hong Kong and Macao residents?
A4:
1.Foreign nationals and Hong Kong and Macao residents, when checking in with the airline for the flight to Taiwan at the place of departure, must present an English-language certificate of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within three days prior to the flight schedule time; they must also abide by border quarantine measures imposed by the local government of the place of departure and comply with terms and conditions and policies concerning providing services to passengers issued by each airline.
2.Foreign nationals and Hong Kong and Macao residents bound for Taiwan shall use their mobile phone to log into the Quarantine System for Entry when checking in or prior to boarding at the place of departure and fill out the health declaration form. They must also undergo home quarantine after entering Taiwan and follow related quarantine measures (quarantine measures may vary depending on the CECC’s travel notice level for destinations).
3.Travelers who have experienced suspected symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, loss of sense of smell or taste, shortness of breath, diarrhea, malaise, and limb weakness in the past 14 days or who have these suspected symptoms upon arrival must follow the measures listed below.
(1)Travelers shall have their specimen collected at the airport or at the hospital after entry; travelers shall stay at a group quarantine facility to wait for their test result. For those who obtain a negative test result, their specimen shall be collected again at least 24 hours after the first specimen collection.
(2) Travelers who have two negative test results and whose symptoms have improved, after the assessment of the doctor, may return to home or proceed to a quarantine hotel to complete the subsequent home quarantine period.
4.Home quarantine measures for travelers entering Taiwan will be strengthened starting from 00:00 am on January 15, 2021. Apart from the original requirement of providing a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within three days prior to the flight schedule time, arriving travelers shall also provide proof of the place of quarantine where travelers stay to undergo quarantine (in principle, the place shall be a group quarantine facility or quarantine hotel; those who choose to undergo quarantine at home shall make an affidavit to declare they have met the requirement of one person per residence). The tightened home quarantine measures are the same for those entering Taiwan via seaport.

Q5: If a traveler has experienced suspected symptoms in the past 14 days or has suspected symptoms upon arrival, and the traveler follows related quarantine measures, such as having their specimen collected and undergoing quarantine at a group quarantine facility, who will pay for testing and quarantine accommodation fees the traveler incurred in following these quarantine measures?
A5:
If a traveler incurs testing and quarantine accommodation fees in abiding by testing and group quarantine measures because the traveler has experienced suspected symptoms in the past 14 days or has suspected symptoms upon arrival, whether he or she is an R.O.C national or a foreign national, testing and quarantine accommodation fees shall be covered by the government.

Q6:Which foreign nationals are exempt from providing an English-language certificate of a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within three days prior to the flight schedule time at the airport of departure?
A6:

1. Starting from December 1, travelers who arrive at an airport in Taiwan and transit passengers at an airport in the country must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days (working days) prior to the flight schedule time.
2.The test report exemption applicable to R.O.C. nationals may be applicable to foreign nationals with an ARC and people from Hong Kong, Macao, and Mainland China with an ARC; if these persons meet the conditions listed below, they can be exempted from providing a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report and can board the flight to Taiwan. 
(1) If the traveler comes to Taiwan for emergency situations or comes from countries where COVID-19 RT-PCR test reports cannot be obtained, or the condition “other persons announced by the CECC” is applicable to the traveler, the traveler are exempted from providing a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report; the traveler may enter Taiwan and take a self-paid COVID-19 test without being subject to penalties after signing the entry quarantine affidavit and providing verifying documents, in accordance with the CECC's "Entry quarantine application procedures for travelers who cannot present COVID-19 RT-PCR test reports prior to boarding" (https://reurl.cc/Y6NbkO).
(2) Travelers who cannot present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report and return to Taiwan without completing the above-mentioned procedures shall sit in a designated area on the aircraft arranged by the airline and shall undergo self-paid testing upon entry; such travelers may not receive disease prevention compensation, and they shall be fined from NT$10,000 to 150,000 in accordance with Articles 58 and 69 of the Communicable Disease Control Act. Furthermore, those who are confirmed to have COVID-19 and are suspected of having infected other persons must bear relevant criminal liability.
3. If foreign nationals without an ARC meet the emergency situation requirement and obtain permission from R.O.C. missions abroad, the test report exemption applicable to foreign nationals with an ARC can also be granted to them accordingly; foreign nationals without an ARC, after signing the entry quarantine affidavit and providing verifying documents, may enter Taiwan and take a self-paid COVID-19 test without being subject to penalties.

Q7:  What is the format of a certificate of a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within three days prior to the flight schedule time? How is the three-day period calculated with respect to the certificate? Is the boarding day included? 
A7:
1. Travelers must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued by a legally-established hospitals and clinics at the place of departure within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time. As a rule, the test report must be written in English, Chinese, or both Chinese and English (bilingual version); its format and the signature should be made in accordance with the requirements of the local health authority. The content of the result must include the name on the passport of the traveler, the date of birth or passport number, specimen collection date and test report date, the virus name, testing method, and interpretation of results, etc. The 3-day period prior to the flight schedule time of such a test report shall be calculated based on the test report date and working days; therefore, national holidays in the country/region where the traveler takes the COVID-19 test (including weekends) may be excluded.
2. Taking the period of December 1-10, 2020, as an example, (December 5 (Saturday) and December 6 (Sunday) are weekend days), related calculations and explanations are as follows: 
(1)If a traveler takes a flight on December 4 (counting backwards 3 days from the date before the flight date, without counting the flight date), that traveler must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued on December 1 or later.
(2)If a traveler takes a flight on December 7 (counting backwards 3 days from the date before the flight date, without counting the flight date or the weekend days of December 5 and December 6), that traveler must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued on December 2 or later.
※The "flight schedule time" refers to the scheduled time announced by the airline company; travelers shall arrange a COVID-19 test and obtain the test report in time based on the flight schedule time.

Q7-1:What should people do if their name on their COVID-19 RT-PCR test report is written in a different order from that on their passport (or if their middle name is missing, etc.)? 
A7-1: 
If a traveler's name on his or her COVID-19 RT-PCR test report is written in a different order from that on his or her passport, for example, when the name on a traveler's RT-PCR test report is shown as HUANG XIAO MING, while the name on that traveler's passport is XIAO MING HUANG; or when the name on a traveler's RT-PCR test report is shown as GEORGE BUSH, while the name on his or her passport is GEORGE WALKER BUSH, if the airline determines that both names refer to the same person based on the date of birth (or passport number), that traveler may be allowed to board the flight. 

Q7-2:In the case where the name on a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report presented by a traveler with dual nationality is their foreign name on their US passport (or passport from another country) and is different from the name on the traveler's R.O.C. (Taiwan) passport presented while checking in with the airline (such as by bearing one's husband's last name), will that traveler still be allowed to board the flight?
A7-2:
The traveler must voluntarily present both passports for inspection. If the airline staff determines on the basis of the passport photos and date of birth (or passport number) that they belong to the same traveler, that traveler will be allowed to board the flight. 

Q8: If a traveler transfers to Taiwan through a third place, which voyage is the three-day period of a certificate of a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report based on?
A8:
1.In principle, the three-day period would be counted from the first boarding time. However, if the traveler transfers through and stays in a third place for more than 3 days, the three-day period would refer to three days before taking the following connecting flight to Taiwan.
2.In accordance with the guidelines or manuals for flight operations issued by international organizations, such as the IATA and WHO, in order to ensure the safety of passengers and flight crew members on board, airlines may require passengers to present relevant health certificates before boarding. If the related regulations are not applicable to the traveler's transfer flight to Taiwan (especially when the traveler takes a foreign airline flight), it is recommended that the traveler check with the airline company first to ensure a smooth flight.
8-1. A traveler takes a domestic flight from Atlanta, USA (place of departure) to Los Angeles (third place) to transfer, and then takes an international flight to Taiwan from Los Angeles. If the traveler does not stay in Los Angeles for more than 3 days, the traveler only has to present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time at the place of departure (Atlanta); the traveler does not need to undergo testing again at the third place. 
8-2. A traveler takes an international flight from Kenya (place of departure) to a city in the Middle East ("a third place" or "City D"), and then takes a connecting flight to Taiwan. If the traveler does not stay in City D for more than 3 days, then that traveler only has to present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to boarding the flight at the place of departure, and the traveler does not need to undergo testing again at the third place. However, if the airline company of the connecting flight the traveler takes in City D has special regulations, for instance, requiring that travelers must have a COVID-19 test report before they may board the flight, the traveler must comply with those regulations.
8-3. A traveler takes an international flight from Nigeria (place of departure) to mainland China (third place), and takes a connecting flight to Taiwan in mainland China. If the traveler does not stay in mainland China for more than 3 days, then that traveler only has to present a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within 3 days prior to the flight schedule time at the place of departure, and the traveler does not need to undergo testing again at the third place. However, if mainland China has special regulations (such as requiring that passengers travel between Taiwan and mainland China must present a COVID-19 test report before boarding), the traveler must comply with those regulations.

Q9:If a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within three days prior to the flight schedule time provided by travelers is not in English but another language, such as Chinese, French, or Spanish, how should it be handled?  Can a photocopy or an electronic file be accepted?
A9:
1.In principle, a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within three days prior to the flight schedule time presented by travelers shall be in English or Chinese; the bilingual (Chinese and English) version of the certificate can also be accepted.
2.In situations where the traveler provides a French- or Spanish-language certificate, other than Chinese or English, of a COVID-19 test report, if the certificate is in the official language of the place of departure, and the airline personnel is capable of assisting in the inspection of the content, such as name and passport number of the traveler, test requested, and testing method, the certificate may be accepted, and the traveler may be allowed to board. 
3.A COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued by a medical institution, whether it is the original copy, a photocopy, or an electronic file, provided by a foreign traveler can be accepted by Taiwan CDC as long as the content and necessary fields on it, such as specimen collection date, test report date, name of the traveler, testing method, and testing result, are clear and identifiable. If the test report provided by the traveler is inaccurate, incorrect, or false, the traveler will be penalized according to law.

Q10:If it is difficult for travelers to obtain a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within three days prior to the flight schedule time, is there an alternative?
A10:
As many countries have required travelers to provide a COVID-19 test report before entry, Taiwan’s entry measures that require travelers to provide a COVID-19 test report before boarding are not special requirements. Moreover, when more foreign nationals are eligible to apply for entry into Taiwan, the government should reduce the risk posed by imported cases as much as possible, which may undermine domestic epidemic prevention efforts and impose a medical burden. In addition, presenting a COVID-19 test report before boarding can ensure the safety of passengers and crew members on the same flight. 

Q11: What items are required for a certificate of a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report issued within three days prior to the flight schedule time?
A11:
1.A test report must be a nucleic acid test, a molecular biology technique for testing, and must contain the following: the name on the passport of the traveler, the date of birth (or passport number) of the traveler, the virus name (COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2), specimen collection date, test report date, the test method (PCR, real-time PCR, RT-PCR, RT-qPCR （Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR）, NAA (nucleic acid amplification), NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test), NAT (nucleic acid test), LAMP（Loop-Mediated isothermal Amplification）, RT-LAMP, COVID-19 RNA test, SARS-CoV-2 RNA test, or molecular diagnostics), and the interpretation result of "negative" or "undetectable." 
2.Immunoserologic testing, which detects the presence of any antigens or antibodies (IgG or IgM) in blood, is not molecular biology nucleic acid testing and thus, does not meet the requirements for a COVID-19 RT-PCR test report. 

Q12:If a traveler arriving in Taiwan provides an untruthful test report or he/she refuses, evades or obstructs related measures, will the traveler be subject to penalties?
A12:
1.If a traveler arriving in Taiwan provides an untruthful test report or he/she refuses, evades or obstructs related quarantine measures, in accordance with Article 58 and Article 69 of the Communicable Disease Control Act, such traveler may be fined from NT$10,000 to NT$150,000.
2.If a traveler arriving in Taiwan provides a forged or altered COVID-19 RT-PCR test report, in accordance with the Communicable Disease Control Act , such a traveler will be fined NT$150,000 and transferred to law enforcement 

The novel viral pneumonia (officially called COVID-19) started since December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province of China. Fever was the main clinical symptom. Some would also experience breathing difficulties with X-ray findings of infiltrative injury to both lungs. The cause of this novel pneumonia belongs to a class of virus called coronavirus. Other significant diseases such as SARS also belong to the coronavirus family.

Coronavirus (CoV) is an enveloped virus which gives its name from the crown-like spikes seen under electron microscopy.

Coronavirus infection among humans primarily involves the respiratory tract, including symptoms of general upper respiratory infection like nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, cough, and fever. However, infections caused by SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) tend to be more severe than other strains of human coronavirus, with some cases developing severe pneumonia and even respiratory failure.

Apart from those transmissible to humans, other specific strains of coronaviruses are also known to infect animals such as bat, pig, cattle, turkey, cat, dog, and ferret. Case reports of animal-to-human transmission have also been reported.

Certain strains of coronaviruses are zoonotic, which means they are pathogenic in both humans and other vertebrates. Most human coronaviruses are transmitted through direct contact with body secretions or respiratory droplets from infected individuals. Some strains of coronaviruses cause diarrhea among animals and can be isolated from animal feces; as a result, they are also transmitted through direct contact with feces of infected animals.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus, which first emerged in 2002, was likely associated with human exposure to infected animals such as civets or bats. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus, which first emerged in 2012, has been linked to human contact with camels or consuming camel milk.

SARS-Cov-2 is a new strain of coronavirus which first emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China back in December 2019. Initially, the World Health Organization (WHO) received reports on December 31, 2019 that Chinese authorities have identified a novel viral outbreak involving over 40 patients in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This was a previously-unknown strain of coronavirus, and the WHO referred to it by the provisional name 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) then officially named it as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on February 11th, whereas the WHO then officially named the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 as COVID-19.

Aside from its origin in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, where SARS-CoV-2 was first identified, numerous cases have been reported in other Chinese provinces and cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Guangdong. COVID-19 has since spread rapidly worldwide, and has been declared by the WHO as a global pandemic. As of April 12, 2020, over 1.77 million cases have been reported in 210 countries and territories, with over 108,000 deaths.
 

The first confirmed imported case in Taiwan was reported on January 21, 2020, who was an individual residing in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. As of April 11, 2020, a total of 385 cases have been confirmed in Taiwan, with 6 mortalities reported. There has so far been no evidence of community infection in Taiwan.
 

When a pneumonia outbreak of unknown origin took place in Wuhan, China in December 2019, most cases could be traced back to Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, a wet market selling seafood and wild animals. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in environmental specimens from this market; however, the exact source of infection remained elusive.
Besides, epidemiological studies of confirmed cases demonstrated infection among family members and healthcare personnel. As a result, it is highly probable that the risk of human-to-human transmission may be increased through respiratory droplets within close proximity, as well as direct or indirect contact with nasal or oral secretions and body fluids of infected individuals.

The main clinical manifestations of confirmed cases of COVID-19 are fever, general fatigue, respiratory symptoms, and dry cough, while some of them may even develop respiratory failure. In severe cases, the symptoms could progress to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, or multiple organ failure, and shock. According to available epidemiological data reported so far, most patients eventually recover, but there are still some deaths. Most mortality cases had underlying diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, renal insufficiency, and cardiovascular disease, etc.

There has so far been no approved specific antivirals or other drugs against SARS-CoV-2 infection, though there are several ongoing clinical trials evaluating direct treatments. According to the “Interim Guidelines for Clinical Management of COVID-19 Patients” published by the Taiwan CDC, patients should be given supportive treatment as early as possible and their clinical conditions should be closely monitored. Appropriate medication may be given if necessary.
 

When travelling to epidemic regions or taking public transportation in those regions, wearing surgical face masks is recommended as a preventive measure, the same as preventing common respiratory tract infections.

If you have (1) traveled to or lived in epidemic regions during the past 14 days, or (2) been informed by health authorities that you were in contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases, and has developed a fever or respiratory symptoms during home quarantine, you should:

• Put on surgical face mask immediately
• Contact the local health bureau, or dial the toll-free Taiwan CDC Infection Control Hotline 1922 for help, and seek medical service as advised as soon as possible.
• Be sure to inform the doctor of your travel history, occupational or other relevant exposure, and if anyone around you has developed similar symptoms.

The incubation period is defined as the time between exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms. Based on information released by the WHO and available literature, the incubation period for SARS-CoV-2 is currently estimated to be between 2 to 12 days with an average of 7 days. However, for those who have traveled to epidemic regions or had come in contact with suspected COVID-19 patients, home quarantine is still mandatory to prevent possible disease spreading.
 

Taiwan CDC routinely updates all the latest information regarding the evolving domestic COVID-19 epidemic situations, and provides detailed recommendations for prevention measures. Please refer to https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Bulletin/List/7tUXjTBf6paRvrhEl-mrPg for further details.
 

Coronaviruses are not readily isolated from tissue cultures. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the primary choice for testing coronaviruses in humans, which can also aid in determining the epidemiology and evolution characteristics of the virus.
 

After the SARS outbreak in 2003, Taiwan has been routinely screening for fever on all inbound international transportation at ports of entry and conducting quarantine assessments on the travel history of fever individuals. In response to the COVID-19 epidemic which first originated from Wuhan, China, the Taiwan Central Epidemics Command Center (CECC) has been constantly strengthening international epidemic surveillance as well as border control measures. To minimize the risk of any community outbreaks, passengers presenting with fever at international and Mini Three Links ports of entry are required to clarify any travel history to Wuhan and undergo comprehensive health assessment to evaluate the need of on-the-spot compulsory transfer to hospital (medical evacuation). For inbound travelers with upper respiratory symptoms who do not meet the criteria of compulsory transfer to hospital, they are required to complete the “Communicable Disease Survey Form” and receive “Notification of Compulsory Quarantine for Arriving Passengers with Suspicious Symptoms.” This is aimed at strengthening quarantine measures at ports of entry and to improve understanding of COVID-19 among the general public, while protecting domestic security at once.

During the visit, you should:

1. Adopt personal protective measures, wash your hands frequently with soap, and always wear a face mask.
2. Avoid high-risk public places such as live animal markets and local hospitals
3. Avoid contact with live animals or animal carcasses
4. Avoid eating raw meat or eggs
5. If you develop flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever (body temperature≧38℃), cough, etc.), put on a surgical mask and seek medical attention immediately

If you have traveled to or lived in China in the past 14 days, please put on surgical masks and seek medical attention immediately if you develop fever or any respiratory symptoms. When seeking medical attention, you should actively inform doctors of your travel history, occupational exposure, relevant exposure, and whether people around you have also developed similar symptoms.
While there is currently no rapid screening available for COVID-19, you may receive testing for SARS-CoV-2 if indicated by doctors.

Taiwan CDC has raised the travel notice for Wuhan, China to Level 3 (Warning) on January 21, 2020. Travellers are advised to avoid all nonessential visits to regions with  Level 3 travel notice.
 

Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces with bleach once daily. Use a 1:50 bleach solution (1000 ppm) for furnitures and kitchens, and a 1:10 bleach solution (5000 ppm) for bathrooms and toilets. Change the bleach solution everyday. Check for good ventilation to maintain clean indoor air.
 

A1. During home quarantine, you should:
1. Stay at home or at an accomodation location. You are NOT allowed to travel abroad or take any public transportation.
2. Separate yourself from others in your home as much as possible. All should adopt appropriate protective measures, which includes wearing a surgical mask, maintaining good personal hygiene, and staying a proper distance away from others (1-1.5m).
3. Record your body temperatures and health conditions in detail. You will receive follow up phone calls everyday from health authorities.
4. If any symptom develops, contact the district Public Health Bureau. Follow their instructions to seek medical attention. Do NOT take public transportation.
A2. During self-health management, you should:
1. Rest at home and avoid going out as much as possible. Wear a surgical mask at all times if you are going out.
2. Maintain respiratory tract hygiene and good cough etiquette.
3. Check your body temperature every morning and evening. Record the temperatures and daily activities in detail.
4. If any symptom develops, contact the district Public Health Bureau. Follow their instructions to seek medical attention. Avoid taking public transportation as much as possible.
 

Home-quarantined individuals are those who have come into contact with COVID-19 patients and are therefore required to stay home for self-health monitoring. They are currently asymptomatic and do not transmit the virus to other people. You do not have to be concerned if you had come into contact with home-quarantined individuals. Simply live as usual.
 

All patients with COVID-19 are released from isolation and discharged only after they meet the discharge criteria, i.e. three consecutively negative SARS-CoV-2 tests. After discharge, they do not transmit the virus to other people and pose no threat to the community. Please accept them and do not discriminate against them, simply keep on your usual life.
 

Please refer to the following attachment of “FAQ on the Quarantine System for Entry.”
 

A: Simply add 15 days to the date of entry. For example, if you arrived in Taiwan on April 1st, you will be released from home quarantine on April 16th (1+15=16).
 

A: All travellers of Chinese, Hong Kong, and Macau nationality are temporarily prohibited from entering Taiwan. Please refer to announcements of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) for further updates. With respect to entry regulations regarding travellers of different nationalities, please refer to the National Immigration Agency (NIA) official website for details.
 

A: Currently, all inbound travellers are required to undergo home quarantine for 14 days. The workflow of border quarantine is briefly summarized as follows:

• Declaration of home quarantine upon entry: Mobile phone users can scan the QR code and enter the “Quarantine System of Entry” to complete online registration. For those without or unable to use a mobile phone, fill out the “COVID-19 Health Declaration and Home Quarantine Notice” form (hereinafter referred to as the “printed Notice”). Travellers should stay honest and report detailed travel history as well as health conditions.
• Review of home quarantine digital credential/printed Notice: After disembarking the aircraft, travellers with home quarantine digital credential can go through the e-Gate; those with a printed Notice should go through manual procedures of personal information verification, on-site data entry, and formal issuing of the printed Notice.
• Taiwan CDC quarantine station: Travellers without fever (i.e. no abnormalities on the infrared thermometer) or upper respiratory tract symptoms can proceed to the immigration checkpoint of the National Immigration Agency (NIA), MOI. For those with fever or upper respiratory tract symptoms, please follow instructions and undergo health assessments as well as compulsory quarantine measures.
• Immigration checkpoint of the National Immigration Agency (NIA), MOI: Review of immigration documents. According to the Communicable Disease Control Act, those who fail to truthfully reveal their travel history and health conditions will be fined.
• Complete immigration clearance, welcome to Taiwan.

A: You may apply for a SIM card at the airport. Our quarantine staff will dial the phone number on-site to ensure it is valid and you are always reachable. For those arriving at Taoyuan International Airport, you will receive a mobile phone designated for home quarantine/self-health management follow-up and tracking.

• For adults: Use your personal mobile phone number.
• For children under 18 years of age whose parents are also undergoing home quarantine: The priorities are as follows:

1. Mobile phone number of the father (who is also under home quarantine)
2. Mobile phone number of the mother (who is also under home quarantine)
3. Mobile phone number of a co-resident living with the children (who is also under home quarantine), and specifically note “this number is shared between the co-resident and the children” in the remarks section.
 

A: Starting from March 19, 2020, all crew members of foreign nationality are temporarily prohibited from entering Taiwan. Crew members of Taiwanese nationality will receive the “COVID-19 Health Declaration and Home Quarantine Notice” from quarantine staff at maritime ports and must undergo home quarantine for 14 days after entering Taiwan. Under supervision of the Maritime and Port Bureau, MOTC, all personnel of the maritime industry must comply with and thoroughly implement the aforementioned regulations.

A: The same home quarantine regulations are applicable to those flight crews if they have thoroughly adopted appropriate measures both on the flight and during layovers. (e.g. wearing masks and gloves throughout the entire flight, taking designated shuttle services and staying at designated accommodation without going out during layovers, etc.) They are also required to fill out the “COVID-19 Health Declaration Form for Flight Crews Returning from Regions with Level 3 Travel Notice” and report health conditions before going through immigration. Instead of undergoing home quarantine for 14 days, flight crews are allowed to go on duty at an interval of at least 5 days apart. They must report their health conditions everyday and are closely monitored by airline companies. Under supervision of the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA), MOTC, airline companies are obliged to effectively implement the relevant measures. If a member of the flight crew presents with symptoms upon entering Taiwan, he/she must undergo home quarantine for 14 days and receive testing for SARS-CoV-2.
For any questions regarding management of aircrew immigration, please contact the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA), MOTC via direct line (02-23496144) for further information.

According to the WHO and Chinese officials, the incubation period of the novel coronavirus between disease exposure to the onset of symptoms ranges from 2 to 12 days (7 days on average). However, 14 days of surveillance is required for those travelling to the regions of epidemic or in contact with infected patient(s) by the virus.

Apart from those transmissible to humans, other specific strains of coronavirus are also able to infect animals such as bats, pigs, cattle, turkeys, cats and dogs. There were also few cases of animal-to-human infection. Coronavirus can cause infection in humans and other vertebrates. Most types of coronaviruses transmit infection mainly via secretions and droplets. Some infected animals also suffer from having diarrhoea, and the virus present in the faeces can cause further disease transmission.

There is no vaccine as yet to prevent COVID-19. Prevention is the same as for other respiratory infections including washing hands frequently, wearing masks and cleaning up secretion from the mouth and nose appropriately. Other measures include avoiding crowded places such as markets or local hospitals, avoiding contact with animals and dead animals and avoiding eating raw meat or eggs. Additionally, you should wear masks and attend medical attention immediately when flu-like symptoms occur (such as body temperature ≧38℃, and coughing, etc)

Currently, there is no targeted treatment for COVID-19. Current treatment aims at supportive care. The anti-viral medications used for SARS have not been proven to help with the novel coronavirus infection. There is no vaccine as yet to prevent the novel (new) coronavirus. Please seek medical attention immediately if you are unwell.

Please wear a surgical mask immediately and call 1922 or local health bureau if you have been to or resided in the epidemic region affected by the novel coronavirus in the past 14 days, have been identified as a contact of an infected person or have developed fever or respiratory symptoms. When you call for help, please seek medical attention as instructed and provide doctors with detailed travel history and occupational exposure.

For living environments such as furniture and kitchen, you can apply 1:100 diluted bleach (500 ppm). For bathroom or toilet surfaces, apply 1:10 diluted bleach (5000ppm) to disinfect. You should disinfect once a day with freshly diluted bleach and make sure there is good airflow to maintain good air quality.