The government says the evacuation of Taiwanese citizens from the Chinese city of Wuhan will go ahead once three conditions can be met.
Wuhan is at the center of an outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus, and Chinese authorities have put the city under quarantine.
Taiwan has joined other countries in evacuating its nationals from the area. An initial flight carrying 247 Taiwanese citizens arrived from Wuhan on Monday. One of those on board was found to be infected with the virus, bringing the number of confirmed cases in Taiwan up to eleven.
In light of this additional case, the government has decided that certain requirements must be satisfied before evacuation flights can continue.
On Wednesday, Deputy Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng said that Taiwan must first enhance its efforts to test for the virus and prevent its spread. Chiu said that Taiwan is discussing ways of doing this with Chinese officials.
Secondly, Chiu said that China must provide a list of passengers on evacuation flights at least a day in advance. Taiwan had specified that senior citizens, children, and those with medical conditions be given priority on evacuation flights. However, most returning citizens on Monday’s flight did not fall into these categories.
Chiu said that Taiwan must also prepare enough space at quarantine centers to house all returnees through the virus’ two-week incubation period. He said this will ensure that all returning citizens can receive appropriate care.
Chiu said that because these conditions have not yet been met, there will be no evacuation flights on Wednesday or Thursday.