Vice President Chen Chien-jen has told the BBC that Taiwan stands ready to help other countries in their fight against COVID-19.
BBC World News interviewed Chen about Taiwan’s success in fighting the disease on Wednesday. The BBC report noted Taiwan’s effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It cited the most recent figures from Taiwan, released Tuesday, which showed that Taiwan has only recorded 376 cases and five deaths since the pandemic began.
During the interview, Chen wished a speedy recovery to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and put in intensive care.
Chen said that Taiwan’s experience with SARS in 2003 taught it the importance of taking measures quickly, ahead of the novel coronavirus’ spread. These include strengthened quarantine measures and the timely activation of the government’s Central Epidemic Command Center.
Chen also said that Taiwan stands prepared to help countries in need to fight off the pandemic. He said that President Tsai Ing-wen has spoken about Taiwan’s readiness to help through means including donations of masks and other medical supplies.
Chen also said that Taiwan and the US are sharing the results of work towards developing rapid tests and a vaccine for COVID-19. He said that Taiwan hopes to work on fighting the disease with the UK as well.