Taiwan’s Health Minister Chen Shih-chung (???) said Monday the quarantine period for arrivals to Taiwan could be further shortened to seven days in April, three days fewer than the current 10-day quarantine period.
Taiwan began implementing several new measures on Monday as part of its loosening of border restrictions, including shortening the quarantine period for arrivals and those who come into contact with anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, from 14 to 10 days, as well as granting entry to certain categories of business travelers and foreign professionals.
When asked whether the quarantine period could be further shortened to seven days after a one-month observation period, Chen said that was a possibility.
“We are prepared to shorten the quarantine period even further” provided the COVID-19 situation in Taiwan remains stable and under control, he said.
Other factors that will be taken into consideration are whether people follow quarantine rules, the vaccination rate of seniors, and the international pandemic situation, he added.
Shortened quarantine for arrivals, COVID-19 contacts
Under the entry rules that took effect on Monday, all arrivals will receive a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon entry to Taiwan and before the end of their 10-day quarantine.
They will take three rapid tests on the third, fifth, and seventh day of quarantine, and another two rapid tests on the third day and near the end of the seven-day self-health management period.
Also starting Monday, anyone who has to quarantine due to contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 will also have their quarantine period shortened from 14 to 10 days.
These individuals will take a PCR test at the start and end of the quarantine period, as well as during quarantine if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.
They will also take two rapid tests, one during the fifth to seventh day of quarantine, and the other at the end of the self-health management period, according to the CECC.
Related: Taiwan to shorten quarantine, grant entry to business travelers from March 7
Individuals have to report their rapid test results to the health authorities via text or call, failure to do so being punishable with a NT$300,000 (US$1,061) fine.
Entry of business travelers, foreign professionals
Starting Monday, Taiwan began allowing non-resident business travelers to apply to enter the country, though the rules differ for foreign and Chinese nationals.
Foreign professionals in the following categories: those recruited by Taiwanese companies, executives of foreign or overseas Taiwanese-invested companies, teachers hired by cram schools, sports coaches, athletes, and performers, can also apply to enter Taiwan.
Related: Taiwan to expand entry permission to professionals from March 7
Rule change for taxi drivers picking up airport arrivals
Also starting Monday, taxi drivers tasked with transporting people to and from quarantine are allowed to pick up other passengers after disinfecting their car and letting it ventilate for half an hour, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC).
These taxi drivers were banned from picking up regular passengers beginning Jan. 9, after Taiwan reported several COVID-19 cases linked to Taoyuan International Airport, and received a daily payment of NT$3,500 for following the guidelines.
The taxi drivers will continue to follow other COVID-19 prevention rules, such as taking a PCR test each week and wearing protective gear when transporting passengers, the MOTC said.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel