'Taiwan to Reclose Borders from 19th Amid COVID-19 Community Transmission Surge'

[Photo by AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Taiwanese authorities are re-closing the borders due to a rapid increase in COVID-19 community infection cases.

According to Taiwan media such as United Daily News on the 18th, Chen Shih-chung, Taiwan's Minister of Health, announced that starting from 0:00 on the 19th, the entry of foreigners without a valid Taiwan residence permit will be temporarily suspended. However, he added that entry will be allowed on a limited basis through a permit process in cases of emergency or humanitarian considerations. He also explained that transit for travelers in Taiwan will be temporarily suspended.

Minister Chen stated that this measure is scheduled to be implemented until June 18 and will be adjusted at an appropriate time.

According to Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the number of community infection cases surged daily from 0 on the 9th to 3, 7, 16, 13, 29, 180, 206, and 333 as of the previous day.

Meanwhile, the Taipei City and New Taipei City authorities announced on the previous day that all schools from high school and below will suspend in-person classes and conduct online classes until the 28th of this month.

As of the previous day, Taiwan reported 217 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths.

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