Since January 5, 2020, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has not released further statistics concerning the unexplained pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan City. As of January 9, the total number of cases remained at 59. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) was just notified by China that the pathogen among the unexplained pneumonia cases had been preliminarily determined to be a novel coronavirus. A total of 15 cases of positive results of the new coronavirus were detected by nucleic acid testing method, the genome sequence of the virus had been obtained, and the typical coronavirus pattern was shown under the electron microscope. Taiwan CDC pointed out that the available information has been anticipated and obtained. As Taiwan has made relevant preparedness and response efforts concerning quarantine, diagnostic and testing, as well as medical supplies, Taiwan will continue to implement those efforts.

In response to the pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, China, Taiwan CDC has implemented onboard quarantine of all direct flights arriving from Wuhan since December 31, 2019. Thus far, a total of 14 flights and 1,317 passengers and cabin crews have been inspected. As of now, a total of 10 individuals have displayed symptoms. Among them, 1 was sent to the hospital for medical attention after meeting the requirements of having developed fever and coughing and had been reported to the competent authority for testing. As the other 9 individuals have all recovered, hospital visit has been deemed unnecessary for them. Nevertheless, they will be continuously followed up by the local health bureau. On the other hand, 3 individuals have met the reporting criteria of pneumonia case with fever and travel history to Wuhan, China. 1 individual who did not display symptoms during onboard quarantine was tested positive for the H3N2 influenza virus. 1 individual was tested positive for the H1N1 influenza virus. The test result of the other 1 individual who was sent to the hospital after being assessed during onboard quarantine is still pending.

Taiwan CDC once again reminds travelers planning to visit Wuhan or other neighboring areas in China recently to avoid contact with wild animals and poultry, avoid visiting live poultry markets and consuming undercooked meats, and avoid contact with patients and wash hands thoroughly with soap. If fever or influenza-like illness symptoms develop upon arriving in Taiwan, please voluntarily notify the quarantine officer at the quarantine station in the airport/port, and put on a mask and seek medical attention as instructed. If the suspected symptoms develop within 14 days after returning to Taiwan from Wuhan, please put on a surgical mask and seek immediate medical attention. Moreover, please inform the physician of any history of travel, occupation, contact, and cluster (TOCC) to facilitate timely diagnosis, prompt case-reporting, and comprehensive treatment. For more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).