News Analysis
After experiencing accelerating tensions and threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for months, Taiwan is now troubled with more unexpected emergent situations, namely its first significant local outbreak of COVID-19. While one commentator in Hong Kong said that the public in Taiwan should watch out for unrestricted warfare waged by the CCP, another former Taiwanese congressional assistant thinks that Taiwan is winning.
Sudden Surge in COVID-19
After being looked up to as a role model for its approach for dealing with the CCP virus pandemic, Taiwan suddenly experienced a surge in local cases.
As of May 20, there have been 2,825 confirmed cases and 15 deaths. Another 335 new cases were reported on Monday, setting a new record.
Taiwanese health authorities said on Monday that nearly all the new cases on that day, 333, were the result of local transmission. Only two cases were identified as overseas arrivals.
Taiwan also announced on Monday that from May 19 until June 18, the entry of non-Taiwanese nationals who do not hold a residence permit, including a residence visa, will be suspended. The transit of passengers to Taiwan will also be suspended.
In the meantime, Taipei City and New Taipei City have upgraded their epidemic alerts to level 3 from May 15 to 28. Restrictions have been imposed for many activities and industries. Residents are encouraged to stay home, gather less, go out less, and to wear masks whenever they go out.
Taiwan’s stock market suffered a sharp fall of 1,630 points, or 10 percent, last Friday in response to the local transmission. The market plunged a further 3 percent on Monday before bouncing back about 6 percent on Tuesday and hovering at relatively lower levels the past two day.
