By/Scenic Spots Home News Report
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, heightened alert measures have been enforced. The Kinmen and Matsu regions have proposed suspending the small three links passenger ferry services. The Mainland Affairs Council stated that prioritizing epidemic prevention, after discussions with the Central Epidemic Command Center, the suspension will be implemented starting February 10, 2020, with subsequent reporting procedures handled by the MAC.
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In response to the novel coronavirus pneumonia, the MAC has announced the suspension of the small three links. (Photo / Kinmen Public Transportation and Ferry Management Office)
The MAC explained that this is the second time the small three links ferry services have been suspended due to epidemic prevention needs. According to Article 32 of the "Trial Measures for Implementing Navigation between Kinmen, Matsu, Penghu and Mainland China Areas," if there is a risk to national interests or security, or other significant reasons during the trial period, the Executive Yuan may issue an order to suspend part or all of the implementation. In 2003, in response to the SARS outbreak, the Kinmen-Matsu small three links ferry services were temporarily closed.
As the novel coronavirus pneumonia situation intensifies, inbound control measures continue to be strengthened. On February 4, the epidemic center decided that “cruise ships that have called at ports in China, Hong Kong, or Macau within 14 days prior to arrival are not allowed to dock at Taiwanese ports.” Although reduced sailings had already been implemented on the Kinmen-Matsu small three links passenger routes, according to preliminary statistics from the National Immigration Agency, from February 1 to 5, the Kinmen small three links averaged about 425 arrivals per day, and Matsu about 28 arrivals—mostly Taiwanese nationals transiting via the small three links. To enhance epidemic prevention, the epidemic center has decided to suspend the small three links ferry services, with a reassessment for resumption based on the epidemic situation.
Taking into account the need for residents in China from Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu to return home, and after considering local opinions, the suspension measure will take effect starting February 10. Relevant agencies will also complete preparations for suspending the cross-strait small three links ferry services as soon as possible.
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》https://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=23160