TAIPEI: Taiwan ordered stricter social distancing measures for its capital and surrounding areas on Saturday after a sudden spike in coronavirus cases in a place that has so far weathered the pandemic comparatively unscathed. Authorities raised the alert level for Taipei and New Taipei City after 180 new domestic coronavirus infections were confirmed, up from 29 cases the previous day. Schools, government offices, workplaces and most businesses can stay open as long as social distancing measures can be maintained and masks are worn at all times. Taiwan has been hailed as a global leader in containing the Covid-19 pandemic, with just 1,500 cases, 12 deaths and minimal social distancing needed once its initial outbreak was quelled. Taiwan has ordered millions of vaccine doses from Moderna and AstraZeneca.

Source: Manila Times May 15, 2021 16:18 UTC