Taiwan is set to close its borders to most foreign nationals on Thursday in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The decision to shut the borders comes amid a string of new COVID-19 cases in Taiwan involving people with a recent history of travel abroad.
Starting Thursday, Taiwan will only admit foreign nationals who hold residency permits, diplomatic passports, proof of a contractual obligation to travel, or proof of special permission to enter the country. Also beginning Thursday, all arrivals, including Taiwanese nationals, will be required to self-quarantine for fourteen days. The government’s Central Epidemic Command Center will determine when to lift the new entry and quarantine restrictions.
Meanwhile, the Central Epidemic Command Center says that people who have traveled to Europe between March 5 and March 14 should inform their district or township office of their travel history and quarantine themselves at home.