Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says that Taiwan’s COVID-19 Alert Level 2 will remain in place until the end of February. Chen says authorities made the decision after detecting several local COVID infections of unknown origin in recent weeks. Authorities also took into account the virus’s continued spread around the globe.
In addition, Chen says a large number of people in Taiwan traveled and held gatherings over the Lunar New Year break, increasing the risk of community spread.
Alert Level 2 requires people to wear masks outside of the house at all times unless eating or drinking. Businesses and venues also have to implement contact tracing measures and ensure social distancing is possible by following capacity limits.
Additionally, travelers arriving in Taiwan will also still be able to spend part of the two-week quarantine period at home. The special arrangement, which was initially announced ahead of the Lunar New Year Holiday, will remain in place until the end of February.
Depending on their vaccination status, travelers can spend seven or 10 days at a quarantine hotel or facility, before completing the remainder at home.