Changes in COVID-19 quarantine, vaccination, and entry regulations take effect from Monday, November 7th. That announcement was made by the Central Epidemic Command Center on Friday.
COVID cases in Taiwan have been dropping steadily, so many regulations will be eased. A record of having received three doses of a COVID vaccine will no longer be mandatory for certain places, such as fitness centers, karaoke clubs, pubs, etc. Relevant personnel are no longer required to take rapid tests every three days. Temperature checks are also no longer needed at most venues, though hospitals, care facilities, and the Taiwan High Speed rail will continue to perform them.
Quarantine protocols will be relaxed for those who have tested positive for the disease. After a negative result seven days after the initial infection, normal activities can resume without continued self-monitoring. Individuals who have come into close contact with confirmed COVID cases are no longer required to quarantine, instead only needed to self-monitor for seven days.
Entering Taiwan will be easier for students from China as well as residents of Hong Kong and Macau. Previously, only those applying for certain programs or important family visits were allowed in.
From October 31st to November 6th, Taiwan saw a decrease of almost 18% in new cases despite gradual easing of COVID restrictions. The Central Epidemic Command will continue to closely monitor the number of infections as more restrictions are lifted.