Larger-than-expected crowds flocked to tourist hotspots last weekend for the Tomb Sweeping Festival… and that’s led to concern of a possible uptick in COVID-19 cases in Taiwan. Officials are urging people to stay vigilant, saying the pandemic is not yet over.
Taiwan has been relatively successful in fighting off the new coronavirus -- so much so, that people felt comfortable leaving their homes for the four-day Tombsweeping holiday last weekend. Massive crowds gathered at popular vacation hotspots, sparking a reaction on social media.
Blindsided by the sudden surge in crowds, the Central Epidemic Command Center sent out a text reminding people to follow social distancing guidelines. Now that the long weekend has ended, officials are calling on people who traveled to any of the busy areas to stay at home for 14 days.
Authorities have identified 11 of these “busy areas”. But Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says that it’s hard to define exactly what a “busy area” is. He says he can only offer a rough definition, and ask people to use their best judgement.
Chen says employers should allow people to work from home in order to maintain social distance.
The CECC is also calling on the public to remain vigilant. Although Taiwan has the capacity to test a large number of people for COVID-19, a large number of cases could overwhelm the medical system.
Local authorities have assured the public that areas which saw large crowds over the weekend have already been disinfected.