Taiwan is ushering in a new plan to shorten home isolation for close contacts of COVID-19 patients. It has been adjusting its COVID-19 strategy in response to a spike in domestic cases over the past few weeks.
Over the past few weeks, daily confirmed cases in Taiwan have climbed into the thousands. However, Taiwan’s health authorities are not alarmed, because 99.6% of cases are mild or asymptomatic.On Sunday, Premier Su Tseng-chang said he approves shortening isolation lengths for close contacts of COVID-19 patients.
The new plan allows people to undergo a 3+4 day home quarantine plan. The first three days are mandatory isolation. But, if they test negative between days four through seven, they can leave their homes. But they will have to avoid crowds until their quarantine period is over.
Could this relaxed policy worsen Taiwan’s COVID situation? Pediatrician Huang Li-min says rolling back restrictions at a time when the outbreak is worsening could lead to a lot more infections. Many people, however, like the idea. One man interviewed thinks the policy will ease COVID’s disruption on everyday life while another woman says relaxing isolation rules will be good for the economy. Another man says as long as people are self-monitoring, it should be ok.
The new plan begins Tuesday, and those who’ve already done three days in quarantine can start leaving on Wednesday.