First Detection of South Africa-Origin COVID-19 Variant in Taiwan

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] A new variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been detected for the first time in Taiwan.

According to Taiwan's Liberty Times and other sources on the 14th, Taiwan's health authorities announced that a COVID-19 variant virus originating from South Africa was found in a patient (No. 813) of Eswatini nationality (formerly Swaziland), who had already been confirmed positive for COVID-19.

The health authorities explained that patient No. 813 entered Taiwan for business on the 24th of last month with a negative COVID-19 test certificate.

Accordingly, the health authorities added that starting from midnight on the 14th, travelers who have visited South Africa or the Kingdom of Eswatini within the past 14 days or who have transited through these regions must enter centralized quarantine facilities upon arrival in Taiwan.

Furthermore, it was explained that after completing 14 days of centralized quarantine, a negative COVID-19 test result is required for release, and even after release, travelers must undergo an additional 7 days of self-monitoring.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.