It’s less than two weeks till Lunar New Year and people all over Taiwan are looking forward to celebrating with their families. But the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Taoyuan City means that this year, some people might arrive home a little more peckish than usual.
It’s not yet noon in the train station, but it’s full steam ahead for this family’s lunch plans. With a ticket hall bench serving as a makeshift table, they quickly finish their bento box meals. That’s because of new pandemic prevention measures that started Monday.
From February 1st, eating and drinking is banned on trains, high-speed rail, ferries, intercity buses and domestic flights. Taiwan Railways official Lee Tsung-yang says rule-breakers face a fine of up to NT$15,000 (around US$500).
He says the regulations exclude things like drinking water and taking medicine. Passengers should put their masks back on immediately afterwards.
Railway passengers seem to grudgingly accept the need for the new measures. One woman says pandemic prevention has to come first. She says it’s a hassle, but at least there are provisions in place for breast-feeding.
With Lunar New Year fast approaching, keeping the virus under control is everyone’s top priority.