Focus on zero cases ‘not useful’NEW ERA: Taiwan, which has controlled its virus outbreak, now faces the challenge of safely resuming economic exchanges with other nations, Chang Shan-chwen saidBy Lee I-chia / Staff reporterPeople should not focus entirely on having zero new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Taiwan, but neglect overall control over the disease situation, Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) specialist advisory panel convener Chang Shan-chwen (張上淳) said yesterday. That included amending regulations to set up a more efficient and centralized disease control command system, enhancing infection controls at healthcare facilities and setting up a mask rationing policy, he said. “However, the global COVID-19 situation is still severe, so the CECC is being very careful in easing border controls,” Chou said. They were prepared for possible local outbreaks, but the nation kept the disease situation under control much better than they had expected, he said. “If people always want to see zero new cases, then the government will not dare to ease [disease prevention] policies, but this might have a negative effect on the economy,” he said.

Source: Taipei Times August 03, 2020 15:56 UTC