By / ScenicSpot Family Fresh (reporting and editing)
The Central Epidemic Command Center announced 2 new COVID-19 (Wuhan pneumonia) cases on February 21, involving the granddaughter (Case 25, 20 years old) and younger daughter (Case 26, in her 40s) of Case 24.
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Photo / Fresh
Case 25 developed cough symptoms on January 28, sought medical attention for fever on January 31, and visited the hospital again on February 4 and 11 due to persistent coughing. Case 26 had no fever or respiratory symptoms but visited the hospital on February 9 and 13 for gastroesophageal reflux. Both were listed as contacts of Case 24, underwent testing arranged by health authorities, were hospitalized for isolation, and were confirmed positive on February 21.
Case 26 lives with Case 24, while the granddaughter (Case 25) does not reside with them but visited Case 24 at the hospital on February 11. The infection source is still under investigation, and neither has a travel history abroad. A total of 391 related contacts have been identified in this family cluster, with 169 tested so far—2 positive (Cases 25 and 26), 143 negative, and the rest pending results.
Five Taiwanese passengers on the Diamond Princess have tested positive, and were repatriated via a chartered flight on February 21. Meanwhile, two Australian passengers who disembarked from the Diamond Princess, which was docked in Japan, later tested positive for Wuhan pneumonia after returning to Australia on February 21 (they had previously tested negative in Japan). Only their age groups are known—one older and one younger.
According to CECC statistics, as of February 20, there were 36 new reports of severe special infectious pneumonia cases in Taiwan, bringing the total reported cases to 1,977. This includes 26 confirmed cases, 1,880 ruled out, and the rest under isolation and testing (45 preliminarily tested negative, others pending). Of the 26 confirmed cases, one has died while the rest remain stable. For the central Taiwan family cluster, 257 contacts have been identified so far, with 256 tested—4 confirmed positive (all family members of Case 19, announced between February 16 and 19), 243 negative, and the rest pending.
The CECC stated that according to data released by China’s CDC and health commissions across provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in all 31 Chinese mainland regions (excluding Hong Kong and Macau SARs) reached 75,465, with 889 new cases reported compared to the previous day. Among these, 11,633 are in severe condition and 2,236 have died.
Internationally, a cumulative total of 1,217 confirmed cases have been reported in 28 countries/regions. The highest numbers are on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan (619 cases, including 5 domestic), South Korea (156), Japan (97), Singapore (85), and Hong Kong (68). There have been 10 deaths globally, from the Diamond Princess, Hong Kong, Iran (2), and one each from South Korea, France, Japan, and the Philippines.
The CECC urges the public to wash hands frequently with soap, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and practice proper cough etiquette. Travelers returning from abroad should proactively report any symptoms such as fever or cough to quarantine officers at airports and ports, and follow all epidemic prevention measures. If symptoms develop within 14 days of returning, call the toll-free epidemic prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800-001922), wear a mask, and seek medical attention promptly. Be sure to inform doctors of your travel history, occupation, contact history, and whether you’ve been in a group setting (TOCC) for timely diagnosis and reporting.