By/Fresh Scenic Spots reporting and compilation
South Korea hits a record high in confirmed COVID-19 cases in a single day, with 334 new infections reported as of the 27th, bringing the total to 1,595. Twelve people have died, and up to 17 countries have banned entry to South Koreans. Meanwhile, the U.S. has also reported 60 cases, with 42 being passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship who tested positive after returning to the U.S. American experts also predict that community transmission will become the norm, and the impact on tourism is likely to last longer than expected. To counter the epidemic, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has proposed three major recommendations that everyone may want to follow.
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Amid the Wuhan outbreak, queues are commonly seen at pharmacies as people wait to buy masks. (Photo/Fresh Scenic Spots)
[Mask Selection]
In response to the COVID-19 (Wuhan pneumonia) outbreak, there is still widespread panic buying of masks. Research by the Food and Drug Administration has found that some commercially available cloth masks can block droplets. Healthy individuals in well-ventilated environments or open spaces, and who maintain more than one meter distance from others, do not need to wear masks. But if you still prefer to wear one, you might consider using a “cloth mask.”
When selecting a cloth mask—whether it claims PM2.5 protection, haze resistance, or includes a middle filtration layer—you can refer to the product packaging labels to confirm whether the mask meets the following criteria:
The mask should have at least three layers.
The outer layer of the mask should be dense, the middle layer non-woven fabric, and the inner layer soft and breathable.
Additionally, healthy individuals in non-enclosed spaces do not need to wear masks. However, those with chronic illnesses, respiratory symptoms, or who need to enter medical facilities must wear medical-grade masks.
[Dietary Management]
The outbreak has caused anxiety among many. In addition to wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and reducing visits to public places, we also need to boost our immunity and protect our health through smart dietary choices. When choosing meals, don’t overlook the benefits and importance of whole grains and cereals for maintaining your health.
Whole grains and cereals are rich in various nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin E, minerals, and dietary fiber. B vitamins are primarily involved in regulating metabolism, maintaining skin and muscle health, and strengthening the immune and nervous systems. Vitamin E is an important fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect the cardiovascular system and reduce free radicals. Dietary fiber aids intestinal motility, protects intestinal mucosal cells, and regulates gut bacteria to maintain intestinal health.
[Medical Case Control]
The Ministry of Health and Welfare has also strengthened access controls at hospitals in response to the outbreak to prevent nosocomial infections, requiring all hospitals nationwide to implement the following personnel control measures:
1. Patient flow separation: Emergency and inpatient departments should have separate entrances, exits, and routes, and suspected cases should be handled via separate protocols.
2. Visitor restrictions: Designated visiting hours should be established, with only two visitors allowed per hospitalized patient at a time. Only one caregiver (including home care aides) is permitted. All visitors and caregivers must register upon entering or exiting hospital areas or wards and be asked about TOCC [travel history, occupation, contact history, and whether there is clustering].
3. Management of outsourced personnel: In accordance with the “Guidelines for the Management of Outsourced Personnel in Medical Institutions Responding to Severe Pneumonia with Novel Coronavirus” issued by this ministry (see attachment), outsourced personnel must strictly comply with infection control procedures, carry out TOCC investigations, and adhere to health management practices. They must wear masks during work and appropriate personal protective equipment when working in special units such as emergency rooms, ICUs, and isolation wards.
As of now, Taiwan has reported a cumulative total of 2,073 cases, including 32 confirmed, 2,014 ruled out, with the remainder under quarantine and testing (18 preliminary negative, others pending). Of the confirmed cases, one has died, five have been discharged, and the rest remain hospitalized in isolation.