By / Compiled and reported by Fresh from Scenic Spots Net
On March 27, the Central Epidemic Command Center of Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare announced 15 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 267. Of these, 6 are female and 9 are male. The majority are still imported cases, with 7 from the United States, 6 from the UK, 1 from Australia, and 1 from the Philippines. Most are Taiwanese who traveled or studied abroad and have returned. Regarding incoming travelers, the airport has been handling around 2,700 arrivals per day in recent days.
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Today’s press conference also featured colleagues involved in pandemic-related missions sharing their experiences during the 14-day home quarantine after returning to Taiwan. The first speaker, Dr. Lin, shared that he checks his temperature 2–3 times a day. He receives care messages from the command center every morning and phone calls from local officials in the morning and evening. In the afternoon, he watches the live epidemic press conferences on time. In terms of time management, he has finished reading previously purchased but unread books, organized work files and reports — such as his experiences in chartering flights to bring compatriots back from Wuhan and the cruise ship Diamond Princess — which he may consider submitting to journals in the future. He also explored food delivery services online and learned that platforms now offer “contactless delivery” options.
The second speaker, Head Nurse Lai, shared how she structured her 14-day home quarantine period similarly to a work schedule. Through this time at home, she also deepened her bond with family members. Additionally, she developed the habit of cleaning and disinfecting her home morning and night, finding the period quite fulfilling.
[Domestic Epidemic Situation]
Among today’s new cases, there were three cluster infections. Case 254 studied in the U.S. from August last year (2019) to the present and visited a friend (Case 218), also studying in the U.S., from March 5 to 19 this year (2020). Case 218 developed symptoms on March 17. Case 254 started showing symptoms on March 20 and was tested upon arrival at the airport on March 24. The case was confirmed today.
The command center further stated that Cases 257 and 258 attended the same school and department in the UK. Case 257 developed symptoms on March 12 and was tested upon arrival at the airport on March 24. Case 258 entered Taiwan on March 22 and underwent home quarantine. After developing symptoms on March 23, they sought medical attention arranged by health authorities and were tested. Both cases were confirmed today.
The command center noted that Cases 264 and 267 are a married couple who traveled to the UK for business from March 8 to 25. They developed symptoms on March 20 and 23 respectively, were tested upon arrival at the airport on March 25, and were confirmed today.
With the Qingming holiday approaching, Commander Chen Shih-chung also addressed several common questions about home quarantine, including whether one can attend funerals or visit sick relatives. The answer is no.
The command center reminded the public that if individuals are under home quarantine or isolation, their phones will be set up with the “Electronic Fence Smart Monitoring System,” using mobile positioning to alert them not to leave the quarantine area. People are asked to keep their phones on and ensure sufficient battery life. Those without a phone will be provided with an epidemic prevention phone for use.
The command center said that during home quarantine or isolation, individuals can ask family members or housemates for help, or meet dietary and daily living needs through online shopping or delivery platforms. For those living alone with no assistance, they can contact their city or county care centers. If COVID-19 (Wuhan pneumonia)-like symptoms such as coughing or fever occur, they should immediately contact their local health bureau or care center to arrange medical attention. Other non-emergency medical needs, such as chronic disease management, can be supported via telemedicine, and family members can pick up medication on behalf of the patient. In addition, non-urgent medical needs such as cosmetic procedures or health checkups should be postponed until after the quarantine or isolation period. The command center urged the public that violations of related measures could result in fines of up to NT$1 million and mandatory centralized quarantine.
[Epidemic Statistics]
Globally, there have been 517,139 confirmed cases across 177 countries/regions. The highest numbers are in the U.S. with 83,836 cases, Mainland China with 81,340, Italy with 80,539, Spain with 56,188, and Germany with 36,508. There have been 23,426 deaths worldwide, with Italy reporting 8,165, Spain 4,089, Mainland China 3,292, Iran 2,234, and France 1,696.