The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) is planning to implement revised COVID-19 testing rules for travelers arriving on long-haul flights, amid a recent surge in COVID-19 infections.

Due to this surge, passengers arriving in Taiwan on long-haul flights will be required to wait at the airport until the results of the COVID-19 tests they are required to take after passing through immigration are ready, CECC head Chen Shih-chung (???) said during the daily press briefing on Sunday.

The new rule could be implemented on Tuesday at the earliest, Chen said, noting that discussions are being held on the procedures of the new testing rules and proper places to carry out the tests.

Currently, flight passengers are allowed to take designated transportation to quarantine facilities right after they receive a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

It normally takes three to four hours to produce the results of a standard PCR test. The planned rule change means travelers may have to stay at the airport for a couple of hours after arrival before they can leave for government-run quarantine centers or quarantine hotels if they test negative.

Travelers who test positive will be taken directly to a hospital for further testing and treatment.

To avoid possible crowding at the arrival hall once the new rules are introduced, Victor Wang (???), the CECC's on-site chief at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, said the CECC was considering introducing a PCR test that is effective and also able to produce "speedy" results.

"We hope travelers won't have to wait more than one hour after touching down" for their test results, Wang said.

Also on Sunday, the Civil Aeronautics Administration announced that protective measures will be tightened for taxi drivers tasked to transport travelers from airports to quarantine facilities.

Effective immediately, the drivers must either install plastic sheets to separate them and their passengers, or wear protective suits, the agency said.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel