Taiwan has reported 10 more confirmed cases of the new coronavirus COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 77.
Health Minister Chen Shih-chung, the head of the Central Epidemic Command Center, said on Tuesday that all 10 cases are imported ones. Of them, one visited Egypt, three visited Europe and six were on a group tour to Turkey. The six cases have been categorized as a cluster of infections.
President Tsai Ing-wen is calling on the public to postpone non-essential trips overseas. Tsai said starting Tuesday, those who visit countries listed on the Level 3 travel advisory will not enjoy compensation for quarantines. Tsai also said those who violate quarantine rules and fail to provide an accurate statement of personal health upon entry will be punished.
The president said the pandemic is getting more serious and that it’s safer to stay in Taiwan.
To curb more imported cases of COVID-19, Chen said all those returning from Europe from March 1 to March 14 with upper respiratory or pneumonia-like symptoms will be subject to mandatory testing for COVID-19. Of the 513 people who returned during that period, about 100 have been tested.