Taiwan’s COVID-19 numbers have shown a slight dip since an outbreak began on May 15. However, authorities are concerned that large crowds at traditional markets around the country may undo prevention efforts.
The three most important things people can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 is wear masks, wash your hands often, and stay at home. But, you can only stay home for so long before the fridge and pantry run empty. People eventually have to step out to buy food.
One of the most popular places for buying groceries in Taiwan is traditional markets. And many traditional markets around Taiwan have not seen a reduction in crowds. The government has asked people not to frequent traditional markets in an effort to minimize crowding, but that’s been somewhat ineffective.
Local governments have started implementing tighter prevention measures at traditional markets. In southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung, shoppers are asked to leave their contact information when they enter traditional markets. Furthermore, people are advised to go to traditional markets on certain days based on the last digit of their national ID number. People with odd numbers are advised to shop on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, while people with even numbers go on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Officials say these restrictions will not be strictly enforced right away. However, they will be beginning June 4.
How have these restrictions impacted markets? Well, one shopper tells us she’ll stock up more each trip. And one vendor says his business has dropped by 80% to 90%.
It’s hard to regulate traditional markets, given that most of them are outdoors. People can sneak in or just ignore signage and barge past barricades.
Over the past three weeks, data has shown that Taiwan’s daily number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases may have begun easing. However, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says now is not the time to get complacent. It’s more important than ever to remain vigilant if Taiwan is to get this outbreak under control.