President Tsai Ing-wen said Nov. 29 that Taiwan will continue taking decisive COVID-19 action while working with businesses and citizens to boost the country’s economic growth.
 
The country’s success in combating coronavirus can be attributed to unflagging efforts of ministries and agencies under the leadership of Premier Su Tseng-chang, Tsai said. The swift passage of economic relief measures by the Legislature has also played a vital role in alleviating the impact of the disease on society, industries and people’s everyday lives, she added.
 
Efforts to bolster the economy are paying dividends, the president said, citing the country’s estimated 2.54 percent 2020 growth rate according the latest figures released by Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics under the Executive Yuan. She lauded the strong performance, adding that it places Taiwan first among the Asian Tigers this year.
 
Tsai made the remarks during an assembly of a New Taipei City-based hometown association for individuals originally from northeastern Taiwan’s Yilan County.
 
According to Tsai, the government will continue partnering with all segments of society to stimulate the country’s private consumption after the new COVID-19 protocols for winter take effect Dec. 1.
 
Issued by the Cabinet-level Central Epidemic Command Center earlier this month, the new protocols stipulate that all airline passengers entering or transiting through Taiwan must present a negative real-time polymerase chain reaction test for COVID-19 issued within three business days prior to boarding. Masks will also be mandatory at eight types of indoor venues: exhibition sites, education facilities, government agencies, medical facilities, performance venues, public transportation, places of worship and shopping centers. (YCH-E)
 
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