Mass testing is underway after recent cluster outbreaks of COVID-19 at a number of Taipei markets. Officials are moving quickly to find new cases and stop the spread.
New cases of COVID-19 have emerged at markets around Taipei City for several days now. And that’s got health authorities and local residents worried. In addition to vaccination, health experts are calling for increased testing of market vendors and nearby residents to track down asymptomatic spreaders. They say it’s the only way to guarantee Taipei City’s safety.
Doctor Huang Li-min says regular and comprehensive antibody and PCR testing is the only way to track down new cases and contain the disease’s spread. He and National Taiwan University’s Professor Chen Hsiu-hsi say all market personnel and nearby residents should undergo rapid testing once a week for two weeks. They say that should continue as long as new COVID-19 cases keep appearing.
Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je says authorities should have the market clusters under control within a month. But Taiwan People’s Party Legislator Tsai Pi-ru does not share his optimism. She says that an enforced lockdown is the only way to eradicate the disease. Residents are hoping with the virus under control, they won’t have to worry about leaving the market with more than just their groceries.