Level 3 alert extended until June 14
Level 3 alert extended until June 14HELP ON THE WAY: The CECC expects 2 million doses of vaccines to arrive by the end of June and 10 million doses, including local ones, to be available by AugustBy Lee I-chia / Staff reporterThe nationwide level 3 COVID-19 alert is to be extended until June 14, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced yesterday, as it reported 281 locally transmitted cases, 261 backlogged cases and six deaths. The COVID-19 alert was raised to level 3 for the whole nation on Wednesday last week, four days after it was issued in Taipei and New Taipei City, where the vast majority of confirmed cases were reported. Soldiers in protective suits disinfect an MRT station in Taipei yesterday following a surge of COVID-19 infections. “Although the [level 3 warning] period has been extended, everyone should endure it for the sake of disease prevention,” he said. Of the 261 backlogged cases, 155 live in Taipei, 89 in New Taipei City, five each in Yilan County and Taoyuan, three each in Keelung and Changhua County, and one in Taichung.
Source:Taipei Times
May 25, 2021 15:56 UTC
INTERVIEW: NSPO eyes industry partnership
Last month, it pushed the nation’s first space development bill through a legislative review. National Space Organization Acting Director-General Yu Shiann-jeng gestures during an interview with the Taipei Times on May 3. In the 1990s and in 2004, the NSPO attempted to develop a communications satellite, but the plans were suspended reportedly due to technical limits and other problems. The ITRI specializes in communications technology, but lacks experience developing products for use in space, which is the NSPO’s strength, he said. Sources familiar with the matter have said that the US has repeatedly expressed concern over Taiwan’s attempts to develop launch rockets.
Source:Taipei Times
May 25, 2021 15:56 UTC
COVID-19: Majority against vaccines made in China, DPP polls find
COVID-19: Majority against vaccines made in China, DPP polls findBy Yang Chun-hui and William Hetherington / Staff reporter, with staff writerSurveys conducted by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for internal reference have shown that most Taiwanese would refuse to take a vaccine made in China, a party source said yesterday. A DPP survey conducted in February showed that 60 percent of respondents were unwilling to take a Chinese vaccine, while 30 percent were willing to. DPP Legislator Wang Ting-yu (王定宇) on Sunday criticized China for using the sale of vaccines as a “united front” tactic. “China ceaselessly pressures Taiwan, but now it wants to appear benevolent — just as Taiwan is facing a worsening pandemic — by selling Taiwan vaccines with defective packaging that will expire soon,” he said. Separately, DPP Legislator Chen Ting-fei (陳亭妃) yesterday criticized the KMT and the China Unification Promotion Party for exacerbating attempts by China to sow disorder in Taiwan by calling for imports of Chinese vaccines.
Source:Taipei Times
May 24, 2021 16:00 UTC
COVID-19: FDA probing illegal sales of test kits online
COVID-19: FDA probing illegal sales of test kits onlineBy Lin Hui-chin, Su Yung-yao and Kayleigh Madjar / Staff reporters, with staff writerThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday said it is investigating the online sale of rapid COVID-19 testing products in contravention of rules against the unlicensed sale of medical equipment and “distance” commerce. Testing kits are classified as medical equipment and therefore can only be sold by certified vendors and pharmacies, FDA Medical Devices and Cosmetics Division specialist Lin Hsin-hui (林欣慧) said. People walk past empty dining tables in Taipei yesterday, the first day of a ban on all on-site dining and drinking in response to an increase in the number of domestic COVID-19 cases. Medical staff yesterday test a man for COVID-19 at a screening facility in Taipei. Photo: Fang Pin-chao, Taipei TimesWhile buying rapid testing kits from licensed vendors is not illegal, Lin advised against businesses purchasing them to test their employees, as the safety and accuracy of self-administered tests cannot be guaranteed.
Source:Taipei Times
May 24, 2021 15:56 UTC
COVID-19: CECC revokes Kinmen testing order, fake news spreads
COVID-19: CECC revokes Kinmen testing order, fake news spreadsBy Lee I-chia and Jason Pan / Staff reportersThe Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) yesterday revoked an order by the Kinmen County Government demanding that all visitors arriving by plane had to provide a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 within three days of their flight, or take a rapid antigen test upon arrival at the airport. Deputy Minister of the Interior Chen Tsung-yen speaks at the Central Epidemic Command Center’s daily news conference in Taipei yesterday. He said the proclamation was issued because Kinmen residents are concerned that COVID-19 would spread to the island, but as it has been revoked, the county government would suggest that arriving visitors receive an optional rapid antigen test. The messages told people not to trust the CDC’s Line account, saying they should delete it. Its aims are to mislead the public, create confusion and sow distrust, Wang said.
Source:Taipei Times
May 24, 2021 15:56 UTC
Control Yuan investigates Yushan National Park fire
Control Yuan investigates Yushan National Park fireBAD NAME: A government employee who allegedly caused a fire that might result in up to NT$10 million in damages hurt the image of civil servants, officials saidBy Shelley Shan / Staff reporterThree Control Yuan members are to investigate a forest fire at Yushan National Park that was allegedly caused by a civil servant, the government oversight body said yesterday. A National Airborne Service Corps helicopter dumps water onto a forest fire at Yushan National Park in Chiayi County yesterday on the ninth consecutive day of the blaze, which is so far estimated to have destroyed 71 hectares of forest. The three Control Yuan members said that their investigation would focus on whether Chiao and his companions secured permits to enter the park and whether they breached other regulations during the hike. Meanwhile, officials overseeing forests and national parks would be held accountable if they did not thoroughly enforce the Forestry Act and National Park Act (國家公園法) by cracking down on people illegally starting fires in national preservation areas. People accidentally causing a forest fire could face up to two years in prison, which can be commuted to a fine of up to NT$300,000 (US$10,733), the Forestry Act stipulates.
Source:Taipei Times
May 24, 2021 15:56 UTC
CECC reports 334 new domestic cases
CECC reports 334 new domestic casesHIT HARD: Among the 3,255 people confirmed with COVID-19 since April 15, 335 had suffered severe symptoms, or 10.3 percent of cases, Philip Lo saidBy Lee I-chia / Staff reporterThe Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) yesterday reported 334 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, 256 backlogged local cases and six deaths, while adding that its specialist advisory panel has suggested extending the nationwide level 3 alert. Photo: Chen Yen-ting, Taipei TimesThe backlogged cases were 157 males and 99 females, with the onset of symptoms having occurred between May 14 and Saturday. Among them, 148 live in Taipei, including 76 in Wanhua, 99 live in New Taipei City, including 34 in Banciao, six in Taoyuan, two in Miaoli County and one in Taichung, he said. A single passenger wearing a mask waits at Shandao Temple MRT Station in Taipei yesterday. The level 3 alert was imposed nationwide on Wednesday last week, four days after it took effect in Taipei and New Taipei City.
Source:Taipei Times
May 24, 2021 15:56 UTC
The Liberty Times Editorial: Preparing for the worst scenario
The Liberty Times Editorial: Preparing for the worst scenarioSeveral incidents that occurred within the space of a week have shown just how rapidly things can change in Taiwan. First there was a major power outage on May 13, causing rolling blackouts that affected 4 million users throughout the nation. Although panic buying of daily necessities was short-lived, concern over a potential outbreak was pressing on everyone’s minds. Our effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic thus far can be attributed to the lessons we learned fighting the SARS epidemic 17 years ago. There are also concerns within the international community over Taiwan’s security, given continued military harassment by China.
Source:Taipei Times
May 24, 2021 15:56 UTC
Jay Chou curates Sotheby’s event
Jay Chou curates Sotheby’s eventStaff writer, with CNATaiwanese pop star Jay Chou (周杰倫) is to curate Sotheby’s first “Contemporary Curated: Asia” auction, to take place in Hong Kong next month, the international auction company said yesterday. The auction series, titled “Jay Chou x Sotheby’s,” is to feature “exceptional works by blue-chip artists and rising stars handpicked by Jay to be offered in a highly anticipated evening sale on June 18” and an online day sale, the company said in a statement. Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou speaks to reporters in Taipei on Sept. 29 last year. It isn’t something you need to try to get close to — by nature, it envelops our life each and every day,” Chou said. The “Jay Chou x Sotheby’s” auction event is also to have an online day sale from June 10 to June 22, the statement said.
Source:Taipei Times
May 24, 2021 15:56 UTC
COVID-19: CECC reports 287 new cases, six deaths
COVID-19: CECC reports 287 new cases, six deathsCLOUD SYSTEM: People who undergo PCR testing can access their test results through the NHIA’s mobile app, instead of waiting for a phone call, Chen Shih-chung saidBy Lee I-chia / Staff reporterThe Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) yesterday reported 287 new local COVID-19 infections, 170 backlogged local cases and six deaths. Most of the cases live in Taipei and New Taipei City: 142 in New Taipei City, including 32 in Banciao District (板橋), and 77 cases in Taipei, including 38 in Wanhua District (萬華), the center said. Of those, 88 live in Taipei, including 48 in Wanhua, 73 live in New Taipei City, including 17 in Banciao, six live in Changhua County, and one each in Hsinchu City and Yilan and Yunlin counties, it said. Test recipients can check their PCR test results by using the “My Health Bank” (健康存摺) function in the National Health Insurance Administration’s (NHIA) mobile app (全民健保行動快易通), he said. In addition to positivity rates, daily confirmed cases and distribution of cases, there are other indicators to be considered, he said.
Source:Taipei Times
May 23, 2021 15:56 UTC
Fubon aiming to raise NT$50bn to buy Jih Sun stake
Fubon aiming to raise NT$50bn to buy Jih Sun stakeBy Kao Shih-ching / Staff reporterFubon Financial Holding Co (富邦金控) plans to raise NT$50 billion (US$1.79 billion) in fresh capital in August or September by issuing new common shares and preferred shares so it can buy the remaining 46.16 percent stake in Jih Sun Financial Holding Co (日盛金控), Fubon Financial president Jerry Harn (韓蔚廷) said. According to Fubon Financial’s plan, it would raise NT$30 billion by issuing 500 million to 750 million new common shares and NT$20 billion by issuing 333 million preferred shares. Fubon Financial Holding Co’s headquarters are pictured in Taipei on Dec. 20, 2011. After Fubon Financial acquired majority control of Jih Sun Financial on March 23, the firm recognized its assets of NT$365 billion, which increased Fubon Financial’s assets by 13 percent year-on-year to NT$969 billion. Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank’s (台北富邦銀行) mortgage lending increased 9.3 percent year-on-year to NT$662 billion as of the end of March, it said.
Source:Taipei Times
May 23, 2021 15:56 UTC
Notes from central Taiwan: The rhymes of history
CHOLERA BLUESDuring the 1831 cholera outbreak in Sunderland, England, the government enforced a quarantine on ships arriving at the local port, hitting trade. An illustration depicting the 1665 Great Plague of London. Samuel Pepys wrote about the 1665 Great Plague of London in his diary. “So home and late at my chamber, setting some papers in order; the plague growing very raging, and my apprehensions of it great,” Pepys wrote. Nietzsche once remarked that “If a man has character, he has also his typical experience, which always recurs.” So with history.
Source:Taipei Times
May 23, 2021 15:56 UTC
COVID-19: Four areas ban on-site dining
COVID-19: Four areas ban on-site diningBy Cheng Ming-hsiang and Tsai Ssu-pei / Staff reportersFour areas yesterday announced a ban on on-site dining at food and beverage establishments to curb the spread of COVID-19. Taipei and New Taipei City, as well as Pingtung and Yilan counties, said that the ban would be in effect from today until Friday. A food courier checks a takeout order in front of a restaurant in Taipei yesterday. The tougher measure is being imposed as the COVID-19 situation has not eased as hoped, he said. While the positivity rate at rapid COVID-19 testing sites in the city had reached a low of 4.6 percent on Wednesday last week, it climbed to 8.5 percent on Saturday, he said.
Source:Taipei Times
May 23, 2021 15:56 UTC
COVID-19: SMS registration used for tracing ‘confirmed cases’
COVID-19: SMS registration used for tracing ‘confirmed cases’NO MASS SURVEILLANCE: An interior ministry official said users’ telecoms see the number, the date and time, and the venue’s code — which they already haveBy Lee I-chia / Staff reporterThe free short message service (SMS) registration launched by the government last week so that retail stores and restaurants could record customers’ contact information is only to be used for tracing the contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases, not for mass surveillance, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said yesterday. All businesses and public venues are required to record their customers’ contact information for possible use in contact tracing, after the center raised the COVID-19 alert to level 3 for the whole nation on Wednesday last week. A woman scans a QR code to register her contact information before entering the Zhongxiao-Fuxing MRT Station in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Chien Jung-fong, Taipei TimesDeputy Minister of the Interior Chen Tsung-yen (陳宗彥), who is deputy head of the center, yesterday said that free SMS registration is only used to trace the contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases. The venue would not keep a record of the information and the center would only request records from service providers once cases were confirmed, Chen said.
Source:Taipei Times
May 23, 2021 15:56 UTC
Marriage equality gains support
Marriage equality gains supportTWO YEARS AFTER LEGALIZATION: An Executive Yuan survey found that an increasing number of Taiwanese also support adoption rights for same-sex couplesBy Lu Yi-hsuan and Kayleigh Madjar / Staff reporter, with staff writerAttitudes toward gender equality have continued to improve, especially toward marriage equality, with more than 60 percent of people now agreeing that same-sex couples should have the right to marry, an Executive Yuan survey found ahead of today’s two-year anniversary of Taiwan’s marriage-equality legislation. The Cabinet’s Gender Equality Committee yesterday announced the results of its annual telephone survey on attitudes toward gender issues. A total of 5,871 couples have registered marriages from May 24, 2019 — when the Legislative Yuan legalized same-sex marriage — to April 30, the committee said. Photo: Liu Hsin-de, Taipei TimesThe survey showed that support for marriage rights has continued to rise, with 60.4 percent of respondents expressing support compared with 52.5 percent last year, it said. Over the past two years, Taiwanese society has become enriched by the appearance of more diverse families, yet there have also been a number of lawsuits fighting for equal marriage rights, the alliance said.
Source:Taipei Times
May 23, 2021 15:56 UTC