By/Fresh Reports from Travel Sites
At around 10:40 a.m. on April 1, the President delivered a town hall address addressing the epidemic situation and preventive measures over this period.
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Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung.
President Tsai stated that Taiwan has prioritized our own medical system and the needs of the people, and currently we can provide the following three types of assistance to the international community:
1. Mask support — 10 million pieces
2. Pharmaceutical support — currently it is known that quinine is relatively effective in treating pneumonia
3. Technical support and effective tracking and analysis using big data resources
President Tsai Ing-wen also stated that by keeping the domestic epidemic under control
Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung stated in his speech that while the epidemic is currently under control, there should be no complacency. Several local cases and those with untraceable sources are still being closely monitored and investigated. To stay ahead of the curve, on March 31, social distancing measures were announced—keeping windows open indoors as much as possible to maintain ventilation. The high-speed rail also announced that body temperature checks will be conducted before boarding, and the Ministry of Transportation announced that wearing masks is mandatory when using public transportation. Although these measures may cause some inconvenience, taking care of oneself is also taking care of one’s family and the community. At this time, everyone’s cooperation is more important than ever.
Minister of Economic Affairs Shen Jong-chin, representing the ministry, also stated that under the President’s directive, efforts are being made to ensure the stable supply and availability of daily necessities. Essentials such as salad oil and toilet paper are well-stocked, with full-scale production acceleration and comprehensive logistics and distribution arrangements in place. Regarding epidemic prevention supplies, mask production capacity has reached 13.5 million pieces per day, moving toward a target of 15 million per day, while maintaining stable pricing and supply. Protective suits will also be stocked at up to twice the legal reserve amount. Taiwan’s textile industry produces high-quality products, and the production capacity of forehead thermometers has reached 4,000 units per day. Domestic demand is prioritized, but supplies will gradually become available for export as well.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu stated that efforts to assist the international community continue to expand. For example, masks and other supplies are being provided to severely affected countries such as the United States and European Union nations. For diplomatic allies, in addition to supplying masks, thermal imaging devices and forehead thermometers have also been donated. While many countries have requested
Taiwan has long been isolated from international medical and epidemic prevention efforts, always struggling alone, but now we have demonstrated sufficient epidemic prevention actions that have drawn international attention and provided valuable lessons. We are also willing to actively offer assistance, contribute our own efforts, and demonstrate the spirit of international cooperation, friendship, and participation.
President Tsai Ing-wen also stated that Taiwan is definitely a country capable of engaging with the international community, and she hopes the international society can see and hear Taiwan’s energy and voice, with continued efforts to participate in the WHO and WHA.
Besides epidemic prevention, various relief plans continue, acting as a support for the public and industries. The first phase is 1 trillion, the second phase injects 150 billion, helping ensure social stability and preparation for various transitions.