President Tsai Ing-wen has apologized for the handling of a COVID-19 cluster infection aboard a navy ship. The cluster so far includes 28 confirmed cases.
The ship was part of a three-vessel fleet that took part in a mission in Palau from March 12-15. Palau is one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies.
A number of the sailors who later fell ill had visited public places around Taiwan upon their return. Tsai said that as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, she holds ultimate responsibility for the military. She said that the military has done its part in helping with Taiwan’s epidemic prevention efforts. However, she also apologized that the cluster infection had put public health at risk.
Tsai said that she has asked the defense ministry to clarify the situation in the shortest time possible. She said she will not attempt to evade responsibility.
Tsai responded to media questions about the mission, saying that it was a special mission that only involved a stop in Palau.
The defense ministry is conducting an investigation into the cluster infection. Tsai said those with a connection to the cluster will be given the opportunity to file reports into the matter once they are released from quarantine.