On October 13, 2009, the 30th meeting held by the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) was convened by the chief commander of CECC, the Vice Premier of the Executive Yuan, Li-Luan Chu.Besides discussing the latest pandemic updates and progress on the preparation for pandemic influenza A (H1N) vaccination campaign at the meeting, it was decided to distribute masks to low-income families through local civil affairs authorities.

The chief commander of CECC Chu stressed that since the fall and winter influenza season is imminent and the 2009 influenza pandemic is still ongoing, the public is urged to stay vigilant of the 2009 pandemic.In addition, the number of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) cases that occurred in the Northern Hemisphere is on the rise.Although after the first peak of domestic epidemic was reached in early September, 2009, the number of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) cases that occurred in Taiwan has been decreasing for five consecutive weeks, it is predicted that the epidemic in Taiwan will increase based on the surveillance data collected by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC).

According to a recent public opinion survey conducted by CECC, about 80% of Taiwan’s population has prepared masks in response to the ongoing 2009 influenza pandemic.The remaining 20% of the population that has not prepared masks consists of mostly members of low-income families.In light of the aforementioned circumstance, CECC decided to distribute masks to the low-income families through local civil affairs authorities.Each family will receive a box of 50 masks along with health education pamphlets concerning the prevention of pandemic influenza A (H1N1).This measure will be implemented on November 1, 2009 and is scheduled to be completed within a month.