By / Scenic Spots Family Fresh Reporting
On April 4, the CECC announced seven new confirmed cases, one being a local infection, with the total now at 355. Due to the high volume of tourists in Kenting, there are concerns about possible virus transmission. Commander Chen Shih-chung also urged people to avoid crowded attractions, wear masks, and maintain social distancing. Both Taiwan Rail (TRA) and High-Speed Rail (THSR) have announced that eating and drinking will not be allowed in train carriages.
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[Domestic Outbreak Situation]
The local case announced on April 4 is a man in his 40s (Case 352), who had no recent travel history abroad. He developed a fever on March 30 and sought treatment at a clinic. On April 1, due to loss of taste and smell, he returned to the same clinic, and the next day went to a hospital before being admitted and tested. He was confirmed positive today. Health authorities reported that the patient lives alone and usually only goes to his residence and workplace. Contact tracing is ongoing to determine the source of infection.
The CECC stated that the six new imported cases today consist of two men and four women, aged between their 20s and 60s. Their entry dates range from March 15 to April 2, and symptom onset dates range from March 16 to 30. Prior to symptom onset, they had been in Switzerland, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and South America.
The CECC noted that Case 350 traveled to the U.S. for work from March 12 to 18. Upon returning, because he was on the same flight as Cases 197 and 202 (a couple who had visited family in the U.S.), he was listed as a contact. During home quarantine, Case 350 experienced mild diarrhea on March 30 and mild chest tightness on April 1. After his home quarantine ended on April 2, he went to the hospital on his own initiative, was tested, and reported. He was confirmed positive today.
Case 355 participated in a South American tour group from February 20 to March 25. As a member of the same group as Cases 259 and 331, he was listed as a contact. He showed no symptoms during quarantine, but was arranged for medical testing by health authorities on April 2 and confirmed positive today. To date, three people from this tour group have been diagnosed.
The other four imported cases are independent individuals who traveled abroad for study or work. They were detected through home quarantine (three cases) and at the airport (one case).
In addition, the Ministry of Transportation’s Deputy Minister also announced at a press conference that eating and drinking will not be permitted on THSR and TRA trains due to the outbreak. Passengers must wear masks to board. Although bento meals are available for purchase on trains, they should be consumed after disembarking and outside the train carriages — eating on board is not allowed.
Minister Chen Shih-chung also specifically reminded that crowded tourist spots such as Kenting and temples require everyone to wear masks and keep social distance.
[Outbreak Statistics]
The total number of confirmed cases in Taiwan has reached 355 (Cases 349 to 355 announced today), including 304 imported cases and 51 local cases. Among the confirmed cases, five have died, 50 have been released from quarantine, and the rest remain hospitalized in isolation.
Globally, there have been 1,074,272 confirmed cases across 181 countries/regions. The U.S. has the highest number of cases at 270,473, followed by Italy with 119,827, Spain with 117,710, mainland China with 81,639, and Germany with 79,696. The global death toll stands at 58,053, with 6,838 new deaths reported, mainly in Italy (14,681), Spain (10,935), the U.S. (7,077), France (6,507), and the U.K. (3,605).