Taiwan reports its first local Covid-19 case since April

LIfe has remained relatively normal in Taiwan this year although mask wearing is high

Credit: Ritchie B Tongo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Taiwan on Tuesday reported its first locally transmitted Covid-19 case since April 12, jolting the island of 23 million out of its much praised infection-free streak of more than 250 days. 

The individual who tested positive for Covid-19 was a friend of a person who had already been confirmed to have been infected with the virus, the health minister, Chen Shih-chung, told a news conference.

The case is believed to be linked to a cluster among overseas pilots flying cargo planes in and out of the Taiwanese capital, Taipei, which began with a New Zealand pilot in his 60s who was likely infected during a trip to the United States.

According to Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Centre, the pilot travelled around the north of the island on Dec 8-11 after completing the three day quarantine required for airline crew. 

A CECC spokesperson said the man mainly drove alone but the authorities are tracing his movements via his iPad and also with the help of the police. The health ministry warned that he had visited department stores in central Taipei and urged the public to look out for any Covid-19 symptoms. 

The man also reportedly infected two co-pilots who were with him in the cockpit when he was coughing while not wearing a mask.

 Health authorities said they had traced 167 contacts of the new local case and that the new infection was a reminder for people to be vigilant. Face masks remain compulsory on public transport and in many public places. 

Since April, Taiwan has remained Covid-19-free through the help of strict border controls that limit arrivals and require everyone to undergo a strict 14-day quarantine period. 

It has reported 771 cases since the epidemic started, the vast majority of them arrivals from overseas. 

But the more lenient rules for pilots are now under scrutiny as a potential loophole for the virus to sneak past the border. 

Similar problems with the regulation of transiting aircrews have been reported in Australia and Hong Kong, which have also both remained relatively unscathed from the virus through tight border controls. 

Following a recent outbreak in Sydney, international aircrew arriving from next week will now be required to stay at two hotels near the airport and under police guard to make sure they comply with quarantine rules. 

Taiwan is yet to announce any changes to layover rules. However, the authorities said they were considering a ban on flights from the UK over fears about the new Covid-19 strain with a higher infection rate.