'Taiwan to Reimpose Border Closure from 19th Amid Local Infection Spread (Comprehensive)'

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Taiwanese authorities are re-closing the borders due to a surge 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 and Welfare, announced that starting from 0:00 on the 19th, entry of foreigners without a valid Taiwan residence permit will be temporarily suspended.

However, he added that in cases of emergency or humanitarian considerations, entry will be allowed through a limited approval process. 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. Schools throughout Taiwan will be closed for two weeks starting from the 19th and replaced with online classes.

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced on the same day that there were 240 new community infection cases and 2 deaths from COVID-19 within one day. The number of community infection cases decreased compared to 333 cases the previous day.

In Taiwan, 1,024 community infection cases have been reported over the past eight days. The number of community infection cases surged from 29 on the 14th to 180 on the 15th and has remained in the triple digits for four consecutive days.

Most patients were concentrated in Taipei and neighboring New Taipei City in northern Taiwan.

Health authorities raised the epidemic alert level to Level 3 in Taipei and New Taipei and restricted gatherings of more than 5 people indoors and more than 10 people outdoors in these areas until the 28th.

Pubs, nightclubs, movie theaters, gyms, libraries, and various entertainment facilities have been closed since the 14th.

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