The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on January 31 that it has elevated the novel coronavirus outbreak to a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” The Central Epidemic Command Center continues to coordinate efforts across various government departments, strengthening port quarantine measures and public risk communication and health education to reduce panic. It also reiterated the appropriate times to use masks, urging healthy individuals not to wear them routinely, and asking that priority be given to those with chronic illnesses, those seeking medical treatment, caregivers, and visitors to hospitals.

 

The Central Epidemic Command Center reported that yesterday (30th), there were 102 new reports of severe pneumonia with novel coronavirus infections in Taiwan, bringing the total number of reported cases to 838, including 9 confirmed cases, 583 cases ruled out, and 239 cases under isolation and testing (124 with initial negative results, the rest pending). Currently, the 9 confirmed cases are in stable condition and remain hospitalized in isolation. Hospitals and local health authorities have followed relevant protocols for epidemiological investigations and contact tracing as part of the prevention and control efforts. The 9 confirmed cases have a total of 486 contacts, 29 of whom have shown symptoms and been reported; 17 tested negative on the second test, 12 are currently being tested (7 undergoing second tests, 5 with no results yet).

 

According to data released by China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the health commissions of various provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, a cumulative total of 9,692 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection have been reported in 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in mainland China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions), an increase of 1,982 from the previous day. Of these, 1,527 are in severe condition, and 213 have died. There are 113,579 close contacts, with 102,427 still under monitoring.Aside from Taiwan, there are a cumulative total of 110 confirmed cases internationally: 14 in Thailand, 12 in Japan, 12 in Hong Kong, 10 in Singapore, 8 in Malaysia, 7 in Macau, 7 in Australia, 6 in South Korea, 6 in the United States, 6 in France, 5 in Vietnam, 4 in Germany, 4 in the United Arab Emirates, 3 in Canada, 1 in Nepal, 1 in Cambodia, 1 in Sri Lanka, 1 in Finland, 1 in the Philippines, and 1 in India.

 

When receiving information about the epidemic or prevention measures from unverified or unofficial sources, the public should first verify the accuracy of the content and avoid spreading or forwarding it casually to prevent violations of Article 63 of the Communicable Disease Control Act or Paragraph 1, Item 5 of Article 63 of the Social Order Maintenance Act.