Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says Taiwan is a safe place as there have been no new domestic COVID-19 cases for 30 consecutive days. Chen, the head of the Central Epidemic Command Center, made the statement on Tuesday.
Since the first novel coronavirus case emerged in Wuhan, China last December, Taiwan has reported 440 confirmed infections, including seven fatalities. Of them, 349 are imported, 55 are of domestic origin and 36 cases are a cluster infection on a navy vessel. So far, 372 people have recovered and have been released from the hospital.
Chen said while Taiwan is safe, the public should not let their guard down. People should continue with prevention measures such as handwashing, social distancing and wearing a face mask on public transport.
Also on Tuesday, President Tsai Ing-wen thanked frontline healthcare workers for their efforts in helping contain the COVID-19 pandemic. As May 12 marks International Nurses Day, Tsai said she would like to express her deepest appreciation to nurses as 80% of healthcare workers at airports and harbors are nurses.
The president said the Taiwanese people will always remember the courage, professionalism and contributions of medical workers during this crisis.