Taiwan plans to start mass vaccinations of its people before June. That was the word from former Vice President Chen Chien-jen in an interview with Belgian newspaper De Standaard. Chen is an epidemiologist who played a key role in Taiwan’s fight against COVID-19.
Chen said the vaccine program will use both the AstraZeneca vaccine and vaccines produced in Taiwan. He also said that vaccinations could take about a year.
He said that Taiwan could open up travel to neighboring Asian countries this winter, though talks on those plans have not started. Taiwan will open a travel bubble with Palau on April 1.
De Standaard highlighted Taiwan’s success in containing COVID-19. Chen said that some of the reasons for this success include a quick response, vigilance, transparency, and the unity of Taiwan’s people.
Chen also highlighted the use of technology, contact tracing, and quarantines as effective measures to contain the pandemic. Taiwan has seen over 500,000 go into home quarantine or home isolation with only about a 1,000 not adhering to the rules.
The paper said Taiwan’s success shows that a free and democratic country can effectively control the pandemic.