The off-shore islands of Penghu now require rapid testing for COVID-19 at the airport for all arrivals. Violators will be fined up to NT$15,000 (US$543).
At Penghu airport, health workers directed passengers to take a rapid test for COVID-19. The mandatory measure began on Tuesday for all arrivals. Violators will be fined between NT$3,000 and NT$15,000 (US$ 108 to US$543).
One passenger said the policy protects everyone. But an aviation official disagrees. That’s because the airport is under the jurisdiction of the transport ministry. The official, Chiu Yong-sun, said from the central government’s standpoint, mass testing has not been approved. Chiu said the measure should be in line with the law.
But Penghu County official Lu Chun-tien said everyone is undergoing rapid testing.
The reason why all passengers are getting tested upon arrival is because a 50-year-old woman who flew from the mainland to Penghu tested positive. A friend she dined with also tested positive.
The places they went to together were disinfected. Taiwan is also implementing stricter health screening for people flying to outlying islands.