Taiwan has reported more than 100 local COVID-19 cases every day for the past four days. One public health specialist says that the current surge in cases will peak in mid-April. But what should Taiwan do about COVID moving forward? Health experts are divided.
A recent spike in domestic COVID-19 infections is changing the way Taiwan sees the pandemic. Health authorities have confirmed over 100 locally transmitted COVID cases every day for the past four days. National Taiwan University Public Health Professor Chen Hsiu-hsi says that Taiwan could reach a peak of 500 local cases a day by mid-April. Taiwan has aimed to stay COVID-free for the duration of the pandemic, but this most recent outbreak is putting that policy to the test.
So, how should Taiwan deal with the pandemic moving forward? Medical experts are divided.
Chen says COVID is still containable in Taiwan. Another doctor says that if Taiwan insists on a zero-COVID policy, then the country will be isolating itself.
Some people are wondering if this sudden jump in cases means it’s time for them to get a fourth vaccine jab. Taipei City Hospital’s Dr. Chiang Kuan-yu says people over 60 can start thinking about getting a second booster if second-generation COVID vaccines aren’t available by next winter.
Chen, on the other hand, says it’s too early to think about a fourth shot. He says first booster rates in Taiwan are still comparatively low.
Doctors do agree that the best way to protect yourself and others is to get three COVID shots. But as for how Taiwan should deal with the pandemic in the coming months, for now, it seems, a consensus is still out of reach.