Effectiveness of Border Quarantine and Epidemic Prevention Measures for Cross-Strait Routes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of the 2023 Lunar New Year  Transportation Project

DOI: 10.6524/TEB.202411_40(21).0002

Kai-Di Yu^1*, Chia-Ling Wu¹, Yu-Tong Hong¹, Wang-Ping Lee¹, Jiun-Shian Kuo¹, Ming-Tsan Liu², Li-Li Ho¹

2024 Vol.40 NO.21

Correspondence Author： Kai-Di Yu^1*

Abstract：

        At the beginning of 2020, cross-Strait flights and “mini-three-links” ferry routes between Taiwan and China were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By early 2023, before the Lunar New Year, local governments and residents of Taiwan's outlying islands strongly desired to resume these routes. However, China unexpectedly lifted all border controls amid severe local outbreaks. To accommodate Taiwanese nationals returning home and monitor for potential unknown virus variants, a special project was implemented, requiring passengers arriving from China via direct flights and ferries to undergo saliva-based PCR testing upon arrival. 
        The project commenced on January 1, 2023, and lasted for five weeks, during which 54,461 samples were collected across four airports and two seaports. The participants were mainly male, Taiwanese nationals, aged 40–49 years, and asymptomatic. COVID-19 positive rates were statistically significantly higher among males than females, among Taiwanese nationals than non-nationals, among symptomatic than asymptomatic participants, and among air passengers than ferry passengers. Symptomatic individuals had 3.18 times (confidence limits: 2.82, 3.59) higher risk to test positive for COVID-19 than asymptomatic individuals. No new virus variants were detected. Initially, positive rates varied among travelers from different airports in China but declined rapidly each week. By the fourth week, positive rates had become similar, reaching 1% by the fifth week. 
        Airport and seaport authorities mobilized rapidly and responded appropriately to minimize the impact on travelers during the entry process, and the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control adjusted quarantine procedures at seaports. With local governments’ assistance, the project successfully monitored for imported virus variants, assessed the disease trend, and facilitated people's return home for holidays. This collaborative effort between central and local governments at ports provides a valuable model for future border quarantine.