FAQs
Self-Initiated Prevention Days
Q1. What is the length of the self-initiated prevention period for inbound passengers from abroad?
A1:
1.Beginning at 00:00 on October 13, 2022 (incoming flight's scheduled arrival time), arrivals from abroad will no longer be required to quarantine and will instead undergo a 7-day period of self-initiated prevention. (A 7-day self-initiated prevention should be completed, with the day of arrival being counted as Day 0. If you arrive in the country on October 13, your self-initiated prevention period ends at 24:00 on October 20).
2.Arriving travelers whose incoming flight's schedule arrival time is on or before October 12, 2022, should still complete three days of quarantine based on the start and end dates on their “COVID-19 Health Declaration and Home Quarantine Notices”.
Place of Self-Initiated Prevention
Q2.The 0+7 policy takes effect on October 13, 2022. What requirements are there for places suitable to undergo self-initiated prevention?
A2: Places suitable to undergo self-initiated prevention should in principle be one's home, a residence of a relative/friend, hotel, or another form of accommodation that meets the one person per room (a private room with a private bathroom) requirement. However, arriving passengers who choose to undergo self-initiated prevention in their home or a residence of a relative/friend can stay in a private room without a private bathroom if shared bathrooms can be cleaned and disinfected every time after use.
Q3. Can a person stay in a general hotel during the self-initiated prevention period?
A3: Yes. Places suitable to undergo self-initiated prevention should in principle be one's home, a residence of a relative/friend, hotel, or another form of accommodation that meets the one person per room (a private room with a private bathroom) requirement.
Q4. Can people entering Taiwan on the same day undergo self-initiated prevention in the same room?
A4: Yes. Staying in the same room is allowed if there is a need to do so. However, if one of the individuals entering Taiwan on the same day becomes a COVID-19 confirmed case, the other people who have been staying with the confirmed case will be listed as close contacts and should comply with related epidemic prevention measures.
Q5. Can a family who return to Taiwan from abroad stay in their residence to undergo self-initiated prevention if all the rooms in their residence are not equipped with private bathrooms (sharing one bathroom) and people in the household are all undergoing self-initiated prevention?
A5:If all the people living in a household are undergoing self-initiated prevention, they don't need to follow the “one person per room" rule. It is recommended that a shared bathroom be properly cleaned and disinfected every time after use.
Q6. If all the rooms in a residence are not equipped with private bathrooms (sharing one bathroom) and some people staying in that residence are not undergoing self-initiated prevention, can I undergo self-initiated prevention in that residence when I return to Taiwan?
A6. Places suitable to undergo self-initiated prevention should in principle meet the one person per room (a private room with a private bathroom) requirement. However, if shared bathrooms can be cleaned and disinfected every time after use, you can undergo self-initiated prevention in a private room without a bathroom. Those who stay in the same place but do not need to undergo self-initiated prevention should take appropriate precautions in their daily lives, such as wearing masks, practicing respiratory hygiene, regularly washing hands to improve hand hygiene, maintaining good hygiene practices and social distancing, and not sharing food.
Q7. My family and I arrive in Taiwan on different days, and all the rooms in our residence don’t have private bathrooms (sharing one bathroom). Can we undergo 7 days of self-initiated prevention together in our residence under the one person per room rule?
A7: Yes. Places suitable to undergo self-initiated prevention should in principle meet the one person per room (a private room with a private bathroom) requirement. However, if shared bathrooms can be cleaned and disinfected every time after use, you can undergo self-initiated prevention in a private room without a bathroom.
Self-Initiated Prevention Rules
Q8.Can I use public transportation during my self-initiated prevention period? Is there anything else I should be aware of?
A8: Yes. You can go out if you do not have any symptoms and you have a negative result from a rapid test taken within 2 days. Please comply with the "epidemic prevention measures related to the use of public transportation during a self-initiated prevention period."
1.Wear a mask at all times.
2.Prepare alcohol or hand sanitizers to clean your hands or seats anytime.
3.Avoid taking food inside a vehicle (If it is necessary, put your mask back on immediately after eating).
4.Avoid close contact with high-risk people, such as elderly people or children.
5.Avoid rush hour or head toward carriages with less people on mass transportation.
6.If other applicable regulations set forth by the central authorities of respective fields are in place, such other applicable regulations shall be followed.
Q9. My job involves contact with people at a higher risk of severe illness. How should I protect them during my self-initiated prevention period?
A9: You should avoid working with high-risk people (including elderly people 65 years of age and older, children 6 years of age and younger, immunocompromised people, and persons with weak immune systems). If other applicable regulations set forth by the central authorities of respective fields are in place, such other applicable regulations shall be followed.
Q10. Can I dine in a restaurant during my self-initiated prevention period?
A10: Yes. You can go out if you do not have any symptoms and you have a negative result from a rapid test taken within 2 days. If you need to eat, you can eat alone or with specific people in a restaurant. You should put your mask back on immediately when leaving your seat and after finishing your meal.
Q11. Can I dine with friends, colleagues, or classmates during my self-initiated prevention period?
A11: Yes. You can go out if you do not have any symptoms and you have a negative result from a rapid test taken within 2 days. If you need to eat, you can eat alone or with specific people in a restaurant. You should put your mask back on immediately when leaving your seat and after finishing your meal.
Q12. Can I travel abroad by plane during my self-initiated prevention period?
A12: Yes, you can. You can go out if you don’t have any symptoms and you have a negative result from a rapid test taken within 2 days. Please follow the "epidemic prevention measures related to the use of public transportation during a self-initiated prevention period" on your way to the airport and during your flight.
Q13.Can outlying island residents return to their homes to undergo self-initiated prevention after entering the main island from abroad?
A13: Outlying island residents who do not have symptoms when they arrive in Taiwan may take public transportation to their homes for self-initiated prevention. Please follow the "epidemic prevention measures related to the use of public transportation during a self-initiated prevention period."
Q14. When should I do a rapid test during my self-initiated prevention period?
A14: Please perform rapid tests in the following instances:
1.On the day of arrival or the first day of self-initiated prevention period.
2.During the self-initiated prevention period, a negative result from a rapid test taken within two days is required before you go out.
3.If symptoms such as fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, difficulty breathing, abnormal sense of smell or taste, diarrhea, fatigue, or weakness of the limbs occur during your self-initiated prevention period.
Q15. A negative result from a rapid test taken "within the past 2 days" is required to go out during the self-initiated prevention period. How is this time period calculated?
A15:Individuals that need go out during their self-initiated prevention period can only go out if they have a negative rapid test result on the previous day or the day of going out. For example, if you plan to go out on October 14, a negative result from a rapid test taken on October 13 or October 14 is required.
Q16. Who pays for the rapid test kits given to arrivals?
A16:When arriving passengers enter the country, workers at international ports will give four “COVID-19 antigen self-test” kits to passengers who are 2 years of age or above (based on their age on their date of entry). Please store the test kits appropriately (at room temperature). If you do not receive test kits, please ask an on-site worker and ensure that you receive your test kits before leaving.
Q17. If rapid tests cannot be completed due to not receiving test kits, incomplete contents in test kits, accidental loss, or misuse, is it possible for arriving passengers to receive additional test kits?
A17: Arriving passengers should make sure they claim four rapid test kits upon entry. In principle, no test kits will be reissued after entry.
Q18. Who should I report rapid test results to during my self-initiated prevention period?
A18: There’s no need to report your test results. Please carry out rapid tests as needed by yourself.
Q19. If I test positive with a rapid test during my self-initiated prevention period, what should I do?
A19:
1. If you test positive, please seek medical attention as soon as possible and have your test result confirmed by a doctor through a telemedicine/video consultation, by asking a friend or family member to bring your positive test result to a clinic/institution responsible for home care (including public health center) or contact your local health bureau to arrange for you to go to such a clinic/institution. For more information, please visit the What Should I Do If Rapid-tested Positive section (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ArrivalQuarantine/info_en_1013.html) on the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website.
2. Foreigners or those who are not enrolled in the NHI program may have their friends, contacts in Taiwan, or local health bureau assist in telemedicine/video consultations or arranging for them to go to clinics/institutions responsible for home care (including public health centers) to evaluate test results. For a list of medical consultation hotlines of local health bureaus and medical institutions that can provide telemedicine consultation or medical treatment for foreigners by city/county, please visit the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/List/ZvTUyd7UDDzQjhWL7ran6Q).
Q20. As rapid test kits cannot be used in children under 2 years of age, what should I do if there are children under the age of two who have symptoms during their self-initiated prevention period?
A20: Children under two years of age do not need to take rapid tests during their self-initiated period. If they develop any symptoms, their caregivers should bring them to a doctor as soon as possible by driving, riding, walking, or getting a ride from relatives or friends (with both parties wearing masks at all times), or contact their local health bureau for assistance in seeking medical treatment. In addition, some medical institutions have set up “Green Channels for Preschool Children.” For the list of medical institutions with such green channels, please visit : https://www.cdc.gov.tw/File/Get/p7KEOkVwQQJ2Wfj6J0FU2A. In the event that urgent medical services are required, please call 119 immediately. Caregivers are advised to call 119 for an ambulance. If an ambulance is not available, they can seek medical help by themselves (walking or driving/riding) or get a ride from a person living together (with both parties wearing medical masks at all times) to seek medical attention.
Q21. If the result of my rapid test taken on the day of entry or the first day of my self-initiated prevention period, can I be immediately released from self-initiated prevention?
A21: No. You still need to complete the 7-day self-initiated prevention. (A 7-day self-initiated prevention should be completed, with the day of arrival being counted as Day 0. If you arrive in the country on October 13, your self-initiated prevention period ends at 24:00 on October 20).
Q22. I don't know how to use rapid test kits. What should I do?
A22:
1.Please refer to the instructions of your rapid test kit or the following instructional videos.
Q23. What do I do with used rapid test kits?
A23:
1.If you have a positive rapid test result and the result has been confirmed by a doctor after a video consultation, please place the used rapid test kit, sampling swab, and other used materials in a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Please throw away the bag as trash after proper disinfection at the end of your home care period.
2.If your rapid test result is negative, please do not litter the used rapid test kit, sampling swab, and other used materials. Please place them in a plastic bag and seal the bag tightly before throwing it in a trash bin.
Q1. What is the length of the self-initiated prevention period for inbound passengers from abroad?
A1:
1.Beginning at 00:00 on October 13, 2022 (incoming flight's scheduled arrival time), arrivals from abroad will no longer be required to quarantine and will instead undergo a 7-day period of self-initiated prevention. (A 7-day self-initiated prevention should be completed, with the day of arrival being counted as Day 0. If you arrive in the country on October 13, your self-initiated prevention period ends at 24:00 on October 20).
2.Arriving travelers whose incoming flight's schedule arrival time is on or before October 12, 2022, should still complete three days of quarantine based on the start and end dates on their “COVID-19 Health Declaration and Home Quarantine Notices”.
Place of Self-Initiated Prevention
Q2.The 0+7 policy takes effect on October 13, 2022. What requirements are there for places suitable to undergo self-initiated prevention?
A2: Places suitable to undergo self-initiated prevention should in principle be one's home, a residence of a relative/friend, hotel, or another form of accommodation that meets the one person per room (a private room with a private bathroom) requirement. However, arriving passengers who choose to undergo self-initiated prevention in their home or a residence of a relative/friend can stay in a private room without a private bathroom if shared bathrooms can be cleaned and disinfected every time after use.
Q3. Can a person stay in a general hotel during the self-initiated prevention period?
A3: Yes. Places suitable to undergo self-initiated prevention should in principle be one's home, a residence of a relative/friend, hotel, or another form of accommodation that meets the one person per room (a private room with a private bathroom) requirement.
Q4. Can people entering Taiwan on the same day undergo self-initiated prevention in the same room?
A4: Yes. Staying in the same room is allowed if there is a need to do so. However, if one of the individuals entering Taiwan on the same day becomes a COVID-19 confirmed case, the other people who have been staying with the confirmed case will be listed as close contacts and should comply with related epidemic prevention measures.
Q5. Can a family who return to Taiwan from abroad stay in their residence to undergo self-initiated prevention if all the rooms in their residence are not equipped with private bathrooms (sharing one bathroom) and people in the household are all undergoing self-initiated prevention?
A5:If all the people living in a household are undergoing self-initiated prevention, they don't need to follow the “one person per room" rule. It is recommended that a shared bathroom be properly cleaned and disinfected every time after use.
Q6. If all the rooms in a residence are not equipped with private bathrooms (sharing one bathroom) and some people staying in that residence are not undergoing self-initiated prevention, can I undergo self-initiated prevention in that residence when I return to Taiwan?
A6. Places suitable to undergo self-initiated prevention should in principle meet the one person per room (a private room with a private bathroom) requirement. However, if shared bathrooms can be cleaned and disinfected every time after use, you can undergo self-initiated prevention in a private room without a bathroom. Those who stay in the same place but do not need to undergo self-initiated prevention should take appropriate precautions in their daily lives, such as wearing masks, practicing respiratory hygiene, regularly washing hands to improve hand hygiene, maintaining good hygiene practices and social distancing, and not sharing food.
Q7. My family and I arrive in Taiwan on different days, and all the rooms in our residence don’t have private bathrooms (sharing one bathroom). Can we undergo 7 days of self-initiated prevention together in our residence under the one person per room rule?
A7: Yes. Places suitable to undergo self-initiated prevention should in principle meet the one person per room (a private room with a private bathroom) requirement. However, if shared bathrooms can be cleaned and disinfected every time after use, you can undergo self-initiated prevention in a private room without a bathroom.
Self-Initiated Prevention Rules
Q8.Can I use public transportation during my self-initiated prevention period? Is there anything else I should be aware of?
A8: Yes. You can go out if you do not have any symptoms and you have a negative result from a rapid test taken within 2 days. Please comply with the "epidemic prevention measures related to the use of public transportation during a self-initiated prevention period."
1.Wear a mask at all times.
2.Prepare alcohol or hand sanitizers to clean your hands or seats anytime.
3.Avoid taking food inside a vehicle (If it is necessary, put your mask back on immediately after eating).
4.Avoid close contact with high-risk people, such as elderly people or children.
5.Avoid rush hour or head toward carriages with less people on mass transportation.
6.If other applicable regulations set forth by the central authorities of respective fields are in place, such other applicable regulations shall be followed.
Q9. My job involves contact with people at a higher risk of severe illness. How should I protect them during my self-initiated prevention period?
A9: You should avoid working with high-risk people (including elderly people 65 years of age and older, children 6 years of age and younger, immunocompromised people, and persons with weak immune systems). If other applicable regulations set forth by the central authorities of respective fields are in place, such other applicable regulations shall be followed.
Q10. Can I dine in a restaurant during my self-initiated prevention period?
A10: Yes. You can go out if you do not have any symptoms and you have a negative result from a rapid test taken within 2 days. If you need to eat, you can eat alone or with specific people in a restaurant. You should put your mask back on immediately when leaving your seat and after finishing your meal.
Q11. Can I dine with friends, colleagues, or classmates during my self-initiated prevention period?
A11: Yes. You can go out if you do not have any symptoms and you have a negative result from a rapid test taken within 2 days. If you need to eat, you can eat alone or with specific people in a restaurant. You should put your mask back on immediately when leaving your seat and after finishing your meal.
Q12. Can I travel abroad by plane during my self-initiated prevention period?
A12: Yes, you can. You can go out if you don’t have any symptoms and you have a negative result from a rapid test taken within 2 days. Please follow the "epidemic prevention measures related to the use of public transportation during a self-initiated prevention period" on your way to the airport and during your flight.
Q13.Can outlying island residents return to their homes to undergo self-initiated prevention after entering the main island from abroad?
A13: Outlying island residents who do not have symptoms when they arrive in Taiwan may take public transportation to their homes for self-initiated prevention. Please follow the "epidemic prevention measures related to the use of public transportation during a self-initiated prevention period."
Q14. When should I do a rapid test during my self-initiated prevention period?
A14: Please perform rapid tests in the following instances:
1.On the day of arrival or the first day of self-initiated prevention period.
2.During the self-initiated prevention period, a negative result from a rapid test taken within two days is required before you go out.
3.If symptoms such as fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, difficulty breathing, abnormal sense of smell or taste, diarrhea, fatigue, or weakness of the limbs occur during your self-initiated prevention period.
Q15. A negative result from a rapid test taken "within the past 2 days" is required to go out during the self-initiated prevention period. How is this time period calculated?
A15:Individuals that need go out during their self-initiated prevention period can only go out if they have a negative rapid test result on the previous day or the day of going out. For example, if you plan to go out on October 14, a negative result from a rapid test taken on October 13 or October 14 is required.
Q16. Who pays for the rapid test kits given to arrivals?
A16:When arriving passengers enter the country, workers at international ports will give four “COVID-19 antigen self-test” kits to passengers who are 2 years of age or above (based on their age on their date of entry). Please store the test kits appropriately (at room temperature). If you do not receive test kits, please ask an on-site worker and ensure that you receive your test kits before leaving.
Q17. If rapid tests cannot be completed due to not receiving test kits, incomplete contents in test kits, accidental loss, or misuse, is it possible for arriving passengers to receive additional test kits?
A17: Arriving passengers should make sure they claim four rapid test kits upon entry. In principle, no test kits will be reissued after entry.
Q18. Who should I report rapid test results to during my self-initiated prevention period?
A18: There’s no need to report your test results. Please carry out rapid tests as needed by yourself.
Q19. If I test positive with a rapid test during my self-initiated prevention period, what should I do?
A19:
1. If you test positive, please seek medical attention as soon as possible and have your test result confirmed by a doctor through a telemedicine/video consultation, by asking a friend or family member to bring your positive test result to a clinic/institution responsible for home care (including public health center) or contact your local health bureau to arrange for you to go to such a clinic/institution. For more information, please visit the What Should I Do If Rapid-tested Positive section (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/ArrivalQuarantine/info_en_1013.html) on the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website.
2. Foreigners or those who are not enrolled in the NHI program may have their friends, contacts in Taiwan, or local health bureau assist in telemedicine/video consultations or arranging for them to go to clinics/institutions responsible for home care (including public health centers) to evaluate test results. For a list of medical consultation hotlines of local health bureaus and medical institutions that can provide telemedicine consultation or medical treatment for foreigners by city/county, please visit the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/List/ZvTUyd7UDDzQjhWL7ran6Q).
Q20. As rapid test kits cannot be used in children under 2 years of age, what should I do if there are children under the age of two who have symptoms during their self-initiated prevention period?
A20: Children under two years of age do not need to take rapid tests during their self-initiated period. If they develop any symptoms, their caregivers should bring them to a doctor as soon as possible by driving, riding, walking, or getting a ride from relatives or friends (with both parties wearing masks at all times), or contact their local health bureau for assistance in seeking medical treatment. In addition, some medical institutions have set up “Green Channels for Preschool Children.” For the list of medical institutions with such green channels, please visit : https://www.cdc.gov.tw/File/Get/p7KEOkVwQQJ2Wfj6J0FU2A. In the event that urgent medical services are required, please call 119 immediately. Caregivers are advised to call 119 for an ambulance. If an ambulance is not available, they can seek medical help by themselves (walking or driving/riding) or get a ride from a person living together (with both parties wearing medical masks at all times) to seek medical attention.
Q21. If the result of my rapid test taken on the day of entry or the first day of my self-initiated prevention period, can I be immediately released from self-initiated prevention?
A21: No. You still need to complete the 7-day self-initiated prevention. (A 7-day self-initiated prevention should be completed, with the day of arrival being counted as Day 0. If you arrive in the country on October 13, your self-initiated prevention period ends at 24:00 on October 20).
Q22. I don't know how to use rapid test kits. What should I do?
A22:
1.Please refer to the instructions of your rapid test kit or the following instructional videos.
- Video link (in Chinese): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GySXZV5d9s4
- Video link (in English): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wMgGuTMnTo
Q23. What do I do with used rapid test kits?
A23:
1.If you have a positive rapid test result and the result has been confirmed by a doctor after a video consultation, please place the used rapid test kit, sampling swab, and other used materials in a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Please throw away the bag as trash after proper disinfection at the end of your home care period.
2.If your rapid test result is negative, please do not litter the used rapid test kit, sampling swab, and other used materials. Please place them in a plastic bag and seal the bag tightly before throwing it in a trash bin.
UpdateTime2022/11/17
The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has announced that starting 00:00 on June 27 (time of arrival in Taiwan), quarantine measures for arriving travelers will be strengthened as the Delta variant continues to spread globally and is highly transmissible. Details about strengthened measures are listed below.
Passengers entering Taiwan from key high-risk countries (India, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Peru, Israel, Indonesia and Bangladesh) must stay at group quarantine facilities. Other passengers are required to stay in quarantine hotels or stay at group quarantine facilities at their own expense.
According to strengthened quarantine measures, you and your family should undergo quarantine in a quarantine hotel or a group quarantine facility, but each of you should quarantine in a separate room with a separate bathroom (one person per room).
If you meet the requirements for undergoing quarantine with your family in the same room for caregiving reasons, you may quarantine in the same room with them. If you need to make such a request, you should submit your application to the local government.
The requirements for undergoing quarantine with family members for caregiving reasons:
(1) Children and teenagers (<18 years old).
(2) Individuals who are ≧65 years old and unable to take care of themselves.
(3) Individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
(4) Individuals with physical or mental incapacity.
(5) Individuals with serious injuries.
(6) Pregnant women who cannot take care of themselves during pregnancy as assessed by a doctor.
(7) Individuals unable to take care of themselves due to injuries or illnesses.
(8) Other conditions approved by the local government.
Passengers entering Taiwan from key high-risk countries (India, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Peru, Israel, Indonesia and Bangladesh) must stay at group quarantine facilities. Other passengers are required to stay in quarantine hotels or stay at group quarantine facilities at their own expense.
According to strengthened quarantine measures, you and your family should undergo quarantine in a quarantine hotel or a group quarantine facility, but each of you should quarantine in a separate room with a separate bathroom (one person per room).
If you meet the requirements for undergoing quarantine with your family in the same room for caregiving reasons, you may quarantine in the same room with them. If you need to make such a request, you should submit your application to the local government.
The requirements for undergoing quarantine with family members for caregiving reasons:
(1) Children and teenagers (<18 years old).
(2) Individuals who are ≧65 years old and unable to take care of themselves.
(3) Individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
(4) Individuals with physical or mental incapacity.
(5) Individuals with serious injuries.
(6) Pregnant women who cannot take care of themselves during pregnancy as assessed by a doctor.
(7) Individuals unable to take care of themselves due to injuries or illnesses.
(8) Other conditions approved by the local government.
UpdateTime2021/7/9
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/10
Coronavirus (CoV) is an enveloped virus which gives its name from the crown-like spikes seen under electron microscopy.
UpdateTime2020/4/10
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/10
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/10
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.
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/10
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/10
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/10
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/10
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/27
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/10
During the visit, you should:
- Adopt personal protective measures, wash your hands frequently with soap, and always wear a face mask.
- Avoid high-risk public places such as live animal markets and local hospitals
- Avoid contact with live animals or animal carcasses
- Avoid eating raw meat or eggs
- If you develop flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever (body temperature≧38℃), cough, etc.), put on a surgical mask and seek medical attention immediately
When returning to Taiwan:
- Inbound travellers with fever or other flu-like symptoms should inform the airline staff and quarantine inspectors at ports of entry.
- If you develop those symptoms after returning home, dial the toll-free Infection Control Hotline 1922, put on a surgical mask and seek medical attention immediately. Inform doctors of your travel history, contact history, and your symptoms.
- After seeking medical attention, stay home and rest. Do not leave your home. Avoid or minimize contact with others.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissue paper or your upper sleeves.
- Continue wearing a surgical mask if any respiratory symptoms persist.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
While there is currently no rapid screening available for COVID-19, you may receive testing for SARS-CoV-2 if indicated by doctors.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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).
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
- 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:
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/24
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/10
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/10
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)
UpdateTime2020/4/10
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/10
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/10
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.
UpdateTime2020/4/10
:::
Taiwan Centers for Disease Control
TEL：886-2-2395-9825
Copyright © 2024 Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. All rights reserved.