People in Taiwan are no longer required to wear masks in most indoor spaces. This change went into effect on Monday, a little less than two years after Taiwan started requiring masks in almost all indoor and outdoor settings.
Masks will still be required in medical service areas like hospitals and clinics, as well as public transport. Schools are expected to drop mask requirements on March 6, depending on the decision of health authorities who are monitoring the situation.
The Central Command Epidemic Center (CECC) says the pandemic’s spread has slowed down across Taiwan and the rest of the world. It says it will continue to encourage at-risk groups to get vaccinated and seek early medical attention if necessary.
Currently about three-quarters of Taiwan’s population has received three vaccine doses for COVID-19, but less than one-quarter has gotten four doses. The CECC says getting vaccine boosters improves immune protection and reduces the risk of developing serious COVID symptoms.
The center also says starting from March 1, it will no longer provide free test kits to incoming travelers at airports or to close contacts of COVID cases. Test kits are readily available for self-purchase at stores and pharmacies around the country.