Taiwan prolongs Covid-19 measures and reports 214 new cases, 26 deaths
- Extension to late June announced by Premier Su Tseng-chang after new infection clusters in several cities and counties
- Appeals made for public to avoid travelling to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival
The extension, announced by Premier Su Tseng-chang on Monday during a meeting to discuss the recent outbreak, came after new infection clusters were reported in several cities and counties, including Miaoli in the island’s northwest, where a large number of migrant workers from three electronic firms have tested positive.
“As the pandemic has yet to be stabilised, Premier Su has decided to extend the level 3 alert for two more weeks to June 28, and all schools must also suspend their classes until after the summer vacation,” cabinet spokesman Lo Ping-cheng said.
Taiwan has stopped short of imposing a full lockdown. It raised its alert to the third level of its four-tier system on May 14, initially for two weeks, before extending it to June 14 as infections continued to spread.
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A tier 3 alert requires all entertainment and recreational venues, schools and restaurants to suspend operations, and the public to strictly observe rules on social distancing and mask wearing.
People are barred from holding or attending concerts, sports events, weddings, funerals and religious activities, while family or social gatherings involving more than five people indoors or 10 people outdoors are suspended.
