Taiwan has not been invited to attend the virtual 74th World Health Assembly (WHA), which commenced on May 24, as an observer. Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu and Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung issued a joint protest expressing the Taiwan government’s deep displeasure and asserted the firm determination of the government and people of Taiwan to continue to seek participation in the WHA.
Support from allies and like-minded partners in the Caribbean and Latin America for Taiwan’s bid to participate in the activities, mechanisms and meetings of the World Health Organization is sincerely appreciated by the government and people, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs May 24.
A virtual forum on COVID-19 vaccine rollout was held under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework May 18 in Taipei City as part of government efforts to strengthen multilateral health security partnerships.
Premier Su Tseng-chang on Thursday received a briefing from the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the latest COVID-19 situation and response. Aside from asking the public to commit to five dos and five don’ts, he instructed ministries and agencies to consider possible actions that are conducive to disease control from the perspectives of users and the public.
Executive Yuan Spokesperson Lo Ping-cheng, Minister without Portfolio Audrey Tang and Minister of Transportation and Communications Wang Kwo-tsai hosted a press conference Wednesday to introduce a text messaging service for contact tracing that allows members of the public to use their mobile phones to leave contact information when visiting stores, markets, government buildings and public transportation venues.
On May 19, the CECC announced that in response to the recent surge in the number of indigenous COVID-19 cases, it will raise its epidemic warning to Level 3 nationwide from May 19 to May 28; the public is urged to continue to abide by and cooperate with Level 3 epidemic prevention and control measures.
Premier Su Tseng-chang on Tuesday received a video briefing at the Central Epidemic Command Center on the progress of domestic vaccine development. Vaccine development standards in Taiwan are approaching international standards, and production capacity has seen large improvements, he said. In addition, two local vaccine developers Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp. and United Biomedical Inc. Asia are willing to cooperate with the government to accelerate production.
Considering the recent escalation of COVID-19 cases internationally and within Taiwan, and to safeguard domestic antipandemic security and protect people’s health, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced on May 17 that entry to Taiwan will be suspended from 00:00 on May 19 (local time of departure) to June 18 for foreign nationals not holding a valid R.O.C. (Taiwan) Resident Certificate.
On May 16, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that starting May 17, it will introduce the following medical responsive measures for all medical institutions in Taiwan as Taiwan has entered the community transmission stage of COVID-19.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the launch of Formosa Club in the Caribbean May 14, thanking members for their pledge to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the international governance system, including the World Health Organization.
