Taiwan: Authorities to lift isolation measures for COVID-19 patients from March 20 /update 83

Event

Officials in Taiwan will ease reporting and isolation rules for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 effective March 20. The new rules will replace the current mandate for a five-day self-quarantine. COVID-19 patients with mild or no symptoms do not need to report their positive tests or undergo isolation. They are, however, advised to minimize outdoor activity until a negative test is returned or at least ten days have passed since their positive test. Officials also recommend symptomatic patients resume outdoor activity with a facemask once they turn asymptomatic or afebrile. However, these advisories are not enforceable and violations will not attract penalties. Individuals with complications or severe symptoms due to COVID-19 infections must seek medical attention.

Domestic Measures
Taiwan has eased most COVID-19 facemask requirements. Individuals do not need to wear a facemask in most indoor settings, except for public transport and medical facilities. The government advises individuals with fever or respiratory symptoms, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems to wear a facemask in crowded places.

International Travel Restrictions
Taiwan permits entry without quarantine for approved entrants. Travelers must take a self-administered RAT if they develop COVID-19 symptoms during the seven-day self-health monitoring period.

Hong Kong and Macau residents may enter Taiwan. Residents from these territories may apply for individual entry permits, instead of groups of at least five people. Hong Kong and Macau passport holders can apply for an entry permit at Taiwan's National Immigration Agency website by clicking here. Foreign passport holders may apply using Taiwan's e-visa platform by clicking here.

Visitors from mainland China remain barred from entering for tourism; exemptions are in effect for those entering for business, education, and family purposes.

Officials permit cruise ships. However, flights to mainland China remain restricted indefinitely; services are available to destinations including Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Qingdao, Wuhan, Xiamen, and Zhengzhou. Authorities have also announced they will allow charter flights to other Chinese cities like Dalian and Shenyang.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Allow additional time for health screenings when arriving in or traveling across Taiwan.

Resources

Taiwan Centers for Disease Control