COVID alert level may be lowered ahead of schedule if infections stabilize: Chen

Eighteen new cases of COVID were reported Sunday, of which 15 were locally transmitted and three imported. There were also four COVID-related deaths. Although the outbreak seems to have tapered off, health minister Chen Shih-chung reiterated that things could still take a turn for the worse. That said, the government would declare an early lifting of restrictions if the situation appears stable. Still, there are a handful of cases appearing here and there in Taipei and New Taipei. Minister Chen said due to the complex nature of living conditions in the two municipalities, community infections remain a possibility, and that it would be a challenge to get to zero infections in the Greater Taipei area.

Chen Shih-chung
Health minister
Of course we would be happy to get to zero; the entire nation would be happy, but that should not be the goal. The goal should be to contain the outbreak. We’ve also established relevant directives, an important point of which is that all authorities, all administrations and government workers should start to gain a better understanding of COVID containment measures, and act in a timely manner in case of emergency. Whether case numbers drop to a certain extent, everyone is able to act swiftly, and hospital capacity sufficient, these are all factors we take into consideration for lifting restrictions.

The Central Epidemic Command Center also announced more recipients who are eligible to get the second dose of the Moderna vaccine. Apart from the top priority group-- which includes airline crew and pregnant women-- those in the second and third groups can now get their second shot, IF they had received their first between June 9 and July 9.

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