What's the government response timeline for Taiwan?

In response to pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control advises travelers visiting outbreak area to take relevant precautions throughout trip and after returning to Source: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/g9UhvECqZ9jRayWsVjrl1A?typeid=9

In response to pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control advises travelers visiting outbreak area to take relevant precautions throughout trip and after returning to Taiwan. Source: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Bulletin/Detail/Dbg1J9leIDoxseqTHMiaxQ?typeid=158

Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is activated to serve as a coordinator of all epidemic responses and update the public about COVID-19. Sources: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/32NPG1QXFhAmaOLjDOpNmg?typeid=9 ; https://www.ocac.gov.tw/OCAC/Eng/Pages/Detail.aspx?nodeid=329&pid=15730946

9 individuals who have met the reporting criteria have all been tested negative for the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Bulletin/Detail/jFGUVrlLkIuHmzZeyAihHQ?typeid=158

This trend of fast response continued after Taiwan activated its Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), which serves as a coordinator of all epidemic responses and updates the public about COVID-19. Activated on Jan. 20, the day when the total number of global cases surpassed 200, the CECC coordinated a public campaign regarding the dangers of the new disease. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202003160019

Taiwan centers for disease control https://www.cdc.gov.tw/File/Get/LO4IJGwYKrJ5urP3CQeLbw On January 23, 2020, level 2 of the CECC was established due to the fact that the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed on January 21, 2020. 3. Surveillance and Laboratory Diagnosis: (1)We began to identify people who developed fever, cough or other acute respiratory symptoms and who had a past 14-day travel history or close contact with the above mentioned people. They are all required to report to the health authorities and provide a lab specimen for further laboratory diagnosis. (2)When a person seeks medical attention using his or her National Health Insurance (NHI) card, the person’s travel history to areas affected by COVID-19 will display on the system because immigration data is linked to the National Health Insurance Administration. This system helps remind a physician to pay attention to past 14-day travel history and inquire and examine the person accordingly. This can effectively prevent failing to detect a potential case.(3)Since February 16, 2020, we have enhanced COVID-19 case finding by proactively seeking out patients with severe respiratory symptoms who had tested negative for influenza and retested them for COVID-19. In addition, patients who are highly suspected as COVID-19 infection by the physicians as well as medical staff with pneumonia or cluster are also subject to provide specimens for further laboratory diagnosis. (4)In order to have specimens tested quickly, we have improved our laboratory diagnosis capacities from 12 laboratories for 520 cases per day to 34 laboratories for 3,200 cases per day.

With effect from 23 January, traveler will be declined to board planes to Taiwan if his/her residence is Wuhan City. Source: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Bulletin/Detail/iLHMXe2cq6X3V7ayG94C4A?typeid=158

On 26 January, Taiwan suspended all air travel to and from China, and put in place quarantine measures for passengers who flew from China. https://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/opinion/columnists/david-staples-dr-theresa-tam-should-answer-questions-about-covid-19-failures-or-resign/wcm/bc42fb84-33de-4b89-9a05-25d187b090c5?video_autoplay=true

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2762689 On January 27, the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) and the National Immigration Agency integrated patients’ past 14-day travel history with their NHI identification card data from the NHIA; this was accomplished in 1 day. Taiwan citizens’ household registration system and the foreigners’ entry card allowed the government to track individuals at high risk because of recent travel history in affected areas. Those identified as high risk (under home quarantine) were monitored electronically through their mobile phones. On January 30, the NHIA database was expanded to cover the past 14-day travel history for patients from China, Hong Kong, and Macau. On February 14, the Entry Quarantine System was launched, so travelers can complete the health declaration form by scanning a QR code that leads to an online form, either prior to departure from or upon arrival at a Taiwan airport. A mobile health declaration pass was then sent via SMS to phones using a local telecom operator, which allowed for faster immigration clearance for those with minimal risk. This system was created within a 72-hour period. On February 18, the government announced that all hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in Taiwan would have access to patients’ travel histories.

Ministry of Education: extension on winter break applied to primary school, middle school and high school. No changes on exams. Parents can request for leaves to accompany kids. Source: https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/breakingnews/3055299

Around 8300 students from mainland China studying in Taiwan are not allowed to go back to Taiwan to continue their study. http://www.xinhuanet.com/tw/2020-03/19/c_1125735584.htm

Taiwan centers for disease control https://www.cdc.gov.tw/File/Get/LO4IJGwYKrJ5urP3CQeLbw (3)Since February 16, 2020, we have enhanced COVID-19 case finding by proactively seeking out patients with severe respiratory symptoms who had tested negative for influenza and retested them for COVID-19. In addition, patients who are highly suspected as COVID-19 infection by the physicians as well as medical staff with pneumonia or cluster are also subject to provide specimens for further laboratory diagnosis.

2 companies are asked to closing for 14 days quarantine due to workers tested to be positive, but no way near widespread or regional

Schools resumed and temperature checks are imposed on entry to schools. Source: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/firstnews/202002250057.aspx

Public events need to be evaluated and risks need to be analysed before taking place. If an assessment of the nature of the gathering finds a high degree of risk, the CECC recommends that the gathering be postponed or cancelled, or held in a different manner. Source: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Bulletin/Detail/yAhL46r86lz1uIi4r2DqSQ?typeid=158

The Bank of Taiwan (BOT) has made financial assistance measures available to loan clients who are experiencing payment difficulties due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Until June 30, BOT's existing borrowers who have previously repaid principal and interest on schedule can apply for up to a six-month principal repayment extension. Borrowers must submit documents showing suffering and economic impact from COVID-19, such as proof of revenue decline, non-voluntary unemployment, or leave without pay. Borrowers must continue paying monthly interest during the extension period. Loan Extension: Companies or individuals can apply to defer principal repayment or extend loan. Credit card payment deferral at public banks: Individuals can apply to defer card payment without penalty and interest. https://www.mof.gov.tw/eng/singlehtml/f48d641f159a4866b1d31c0916fbcc71?cntId=4ea6929857b04241aa6df34003fd9c25 https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/taiwan-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html

Taipei International Book Exhibition cancelled. https://news.pts.org.tw/article/470969

The Central Epidemic Command Center announced that starting from March 19, entry of all foreign nationals will not be allowed unless documents of granted entry are provided and that inbound travelers will be subject to a 14-day period of home quarantine after entering Taiwan. Source: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Bulletin/Detail/a-nPqAsZWtTb7FJ_pgRsEw?typeid=158

Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) recommended that indoor events that are attended by more than 100 people and outdoor gatherings that are attended by more than 500 people be suspended. Source: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Bulletin/Detail/ShUbXkJuFTOs3DCianO-YQ?typeid=158

No formal measures or restrictions placed, but ahead of Tom Sweeping festival Taiwan is imposing safety measures such as temperature measurement and icnreased disinfection on internal transportation. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202003270007

Wearing mask while riding on public transport is required. https://www.cna.com.tw/news/firstnews/202003315014.aspx

Taiwan centers for disease control https://www.cdc.gov.tw/File/Get/ZtjUSK8CMhvTAUy59TOAYQ 1 Clinical Presentation Criteria One or more of the following: (1) Fever (= 38 ?) or symptoms of acute respiratory tract infection. (2) Abnormal sense of smell (anosmia), abnormal sense of taste (dysgeusia), or diarrhea of unknown etiology. (3) Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) highly suspected to be COVID-19 by doctors.

he National Taxation Bureau of the Northern Area, Ministry of Finance (NTBNA) states that within the period of the implementation of the "Special Act on Prevention, Relief, and Recovery of Severe Special Infectious Pneumonia" (from Jan 15, 2020 to Jun 30, 2021), those who are affected by the severe special infectious pneumonia (COVID-19) epidemic and fail to pay the tax within the statutory tax-paying period, may, within the statutory period for tax payment, apply to the taxation bureau for the deferral of the tax payment or for payment by installments according to Article 26 of the Tax Collection Act. After acceptance by the taxation bureau, it may approve the extension of payment at its discretion by 1 to 12 months or the payment by 2 to 36 installments (each period is calculated as 1 month). NTBNA states that in the event that a taxpayer fails to make timely payment of any tax for which the extension for tax payment or payment by installments has been approved, the tax collection authorities may, according to Article 27 of the Tax Collection Act, issue to the taxpayer a written notice, demanding the payment of the remaining tax in a lump sum. https://www.mof.gov.tw/Eng/singlehtml/f48d641f159a4866b1d31c0916fbcc71?cntId=c0c5975593044efbab5713bfe4182bc3

Starting from 21 April, companies suffering a 50% reduction in income when compared to the same period over the past two years qualify to apply for salary subsidies. The government will subsidise 40% of wages of an employee up to a limit of NT$20,000 per month for three months. Sources: https://thetaiwantimes.com/taiwans-unheralded-covid-19-financial-response/2587 ; https://udn.com/news/story/120974/4508657

https://taiwan.ahk.de/zh/%E6%9C%80%E6%96%B0%E6%B6%88%E6%81%AF/%E6%9C%80%E6%96%B0%E6%B6%88%E6%81%AF/news-detail-ch/information-on-the-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak As of 5 May. German Trade Office Taipei Public events are not prohibited but it is suggested to avoid social contacts to minimize the risk of infections. Furthermore, it is now strongly suggested to suspend indoor events that are attended by more than 100 people and outdoor gatherings that are attended by more than 500 people. Many public events have been cancelled or postponed.

If social distancing rules are observed, large scale events are no longer subject to the advisory capacity limit of 100 persons indoor or 500 persons outdoor. Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/zX8MpqpJoy-T9U5XVYdrSg?typeid=9

Given that Covid-19 has had a wide impact on economic aspect, the Executive Yuan announced on April 8, 2020 that the rent of state-owned non-public use real estate is to be reduced by 20% for this year. Therefore, the National Property Administration, Ministry of Finance (hereinafter referred to as NPA) has made an inventory of the state-owned non-public use land that has been operated by the party entrusted by NPA or on which the encumbrance of superficies has been set by NPA in response to the impact caused by Covid-19, and decided to reduce the rent by 20% on April 23 accordingly. NPA also has considered that the state-owned public real estate managed by various agencies that has been leased out or provided for use according to the proviso of Article 28 of the National Property Act and the "Revenue Directions for National Public Use Real Estate" formulated and issued by Ministry of Finance must be handled accordingly. So, the measures to reduce rent and allow late payment in response to the epidemic situation was reported to and approved by the Ministry of Finance on April 27, to ease the burden for people and enterprises. The key measures related to state-owned real estate in response to the epidemic situation are described as follows: 1. The "state-owned non-public use real estate" managed by NPA: (1) Rent reduction: Except for the rent collected at the rent rate approved specially by the Executive Yuan or the statutory taxes and fees (such as land value tax, etc.) clearly stipulated by laws (orders), the rent payable, concession fee, and land rent for this year will be automatically reduced by 20%, the legal users are not required to submit application, and the overpaid amount shall be refunded with no interest or deducted from the payable. As for the land used for joint improvement and utilization, the competent authority in charge of the business concerned shall determine the reduction rate at its discretion, but the part allocated to the Branches of NPA shall not be less than the tax and fee payable. (2) Late payment of rent: Holders of use right in need of late payment of rent (including superficies rent and consigned operation concession fee) may apply for the extension of the deadline for rent payment for this year according to the contract to the end of this year, with no default penalty or interest charged. 2. For the "state-owned public use real estate" managed by various agencies that has been leased out or provided for use according to the National Property Act, the management agency may reduce the rent and utilization fee (hereinafter referred to as the consideration payable) or allow late payment at its discretion according to the circumstances of each case: (1) Reduction: The management agency shall determine the reduction rate, but the consideration payable after the reduction shall not be less than the actual tax and fees borne by the management agency; and the overpaid amount shall be refunded with no interest or deducted from the next term consideration payable. (2) Late payment: Holders of use right in need of late payment of consideration payable may apply for the extension of the deadline for rent payment for this year to the end of this year, with no default penalty or interest charged. (3) Other considerations such as concession fees collected by the management agency: it is entitled to deal with the matters of rent reduction or late payment. https://www.mof.gov.tw/eng/singlehtml/f48d641f159a4866b1d31c0916fbcc71?cntId=8058d8442de4426cad0a665c7c1dc44d

"On May 23, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that it gradually eased restrictions on applicants for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing considering that domestic coronavirus situation is under control. The decision allows members of the public to undergo COVID-19 testing at their own expense at designated hospitals due to emergency situations, as well as work and studying abroad requirements, and obtain documents proving they have done the testing. Members of the public who are eligible for requesting COVID-19 testing at their own expense are as follows: 1. Those under home isolation or quarantine who need to attend a funeral of a deceased first or second degree relative or visit such relative with serious illness; 2. Those who need to visit other countries/regions for an emergency involving their relatives overseas, including accidents or serious illness; 3. Those requesting COVID-19 testing for work; 4. Those requesting COVID-19 testing for studying abroad; 5. Foreign nationals, mainland Chinese, Hong Kong or Macao residents requesting COVID-19 testing for departure; 6. Family members of those listed above. Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Bulletin/Detail/zvqg0FiEVgQDWcL3ftogcA?typeid=158"

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that it further eased restrictions on applicants for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing. The testing is paid for by the member of the public. https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En/Bulletin/Detail/TciankrTu-Vqk3mCoIhOmw?typeid=158

http://archive.is/kNP0H Taiwan Centers for Disease Control “From June 22, short-term business travelers are allowed entry and can apply for shortened home quarantine period”

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jS-7CBlMbf3gI19t_fKrTqqENAJTiP34HTsWZnjbcgM/edit?usp=sharing The CECC also announced the updated list of countries/regions eligible for shortened quarantine periods in Taiwan. The CECC reported that Hong Kong and Australia continue to record more locally-acquired cases in recent weeks, and the coronavirus pandemic is worsening in Hong Kong and Australia. In consideration of the status of the pandemic in the regions, the CECC has removed Hong Kong and Australia from the category of medium-risk countries.

Due to the surging cases in the Philippines in recent weeks, all passengers from the Philippines entering Taiwan from 12 August "must cooperate with the airport for quarantine and quarantine, and go to the centralized quarantine place for quarantine for 14 days". http://archive.vn/it6CX

The Taiwan government allows children of Taiwan citizens, who are aged 2 to 6 but are of the PRC citizenship, to apply for entry Taiwan with their parents. "In general, relevant children under the age of 6 and their accompanying parents must return to Taiwan, and must complete a 14-day home quarantine after entering the country. The implementation details will be handled by the Immigration Department and relevant units." http://archive.vn/Reqxi