Daily COVID cases are starting to drop in Taiwan, and that has got many people wondering when life will get back to normal. That includes getting rid of quarantine for inbound travelers and lifting mask mandates. But experts say we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves.
The health ministry announced on Monday that starting June 15, all travelers arriving in Taiwan will have to quarantine for only three days, down from seven. They will then have to do four days of self-health management.
Dr. Huang Kao-lin says authorities should see if cases keep falling. If they do, he believes in September there’s a chance quarantine will be scrapped.
Dr. Huang Li-min says the keys to dropping quarantine are raising three dose vaccination rates for the elderly to 80%, and having enough COVID treatments available.
If those conditions are met, he thinks there’s no need to wait until September to get rid of quarantine. But others fear opening too soon will stop Taiwan from keeping out new variants.
Dr. Chiang Kuan-yu says research from Japan shows that other Omicron sub-variants are more severe. He says that everyone should have a fourth dose or a second generation COVID vaccine. Only then does it make sense to waive quarantine requirements.
Though quarantine may last a while longer, others are wondering when mask requirements will be relaxed. As summer begins in Taiwan, masks still must be worn outdoors in most situations.
Dr. Huang Li-min says masks are most likely here to stay until next year. He says at that time, the virus may stop mutating into stronger variants. Better vaccines will also be available. Then masking rules could be relaxed.
November through February is the peak of flu season. With COVID still spreading, masking might still have a part to play. But once flu season subsides, many are hoping those masks will finally come off.
