Taiwan reported 50,657 new COVID-19 cases and 163 deaths from the disease on Sunday, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).

Here are some of the new developments regarding the COVID-19 situation around Taiwan on Sunday:

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung tests positive for COVID-19

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung (???) took a COVID-19 rapid test on Sunday morning after developing COVID-like symptoms, and the result came back positive. He is now recovering in home isolation.

Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) deputy head Chen Tsung-yen (???) will take over the reins at the CECC for the time being, while Chen will continue to participate in the center’s activities remotely.

Presidential Office spokesperson Xavier Chang (???) said Sunday that President Tsai Ing-wen (???) had only held remote meetings with Chen recently and had not had face-to-face contact.

Cabinet spokesman Lo Ping-cheng (???) said, meanwhile, that Chen had participated in a meeting with Premier Su Tseng-chang (???) on COVID-19 related issues on Saturday morning.

Those present at the meeting wore masks and sat in alternate seats, and Su has not shown any symptoms so far, Lo said.

Second booster shot reservations to open in New Taipei for seniors

New Taipei’s Department of Health said Sunday that online reservations for a second booster dose for seniors aged 65 and up and Indigenous people aged 55 or older will open at 9 a.m. on June 17 and close at 11 a.m. on June 28.

Individuals in these two categories can receive a second booster dose five months after their first booster, with an estimated 380,000 in New Taipei eligible to get the shot by the end of June, the department said.

The shots will be administered from June 20-30 at 14 vaccine sites across the city and 406 hospitals and clinics. Those who get the shot will receive four free rapid tests and a NT$500 coupon.

People can choose between the Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Medigen vaccines, the department said.

Although the CECC began allowing these two groups to get a second booster in mid-May, most will only be eligible for the shot after mid-June, which is why the New Taipei government is opening their reservation system now, the department said.

Kaohsiung

Also on Sunday, the Kaohsiung City government said it had begun vaccinating seniors at district health centers.

From June 17 to 19, vaccination sites will also be set up at Wujia Longcheng Temple (?????), Tzu Chi Kaohsiung Jing Si Hall (???????), Kaohsiung Municipal Social Education Center (?????????), Meinong Junior High School (????), and the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation’s Gangshan location (??????), the city government said.

Those interested in getting a shot can make reservations using the city’s vaccination reservation website or contact one of the 438 clinics or hospitals offering the service, the city said.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel