Focus Taiwan
Date: 05/23/2020
By: Chang Ming-hsuan and Frances Huang

Taipei, May 23 (CNA) Taiwan has relaxed its rules on self-paid tests for the COVID-19 coronavirus at a time when infections have shown signs of easing in the country, leaving its testing capacity adequate, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Saturday.

The CECC said that as many countries that have imposed travel bans to contain the virus spread still need testing results before allowing foreign nationals to enter, Taiwan has decided to expand the coverage of self-paid testing for Taiwanese citie9s who plan to go overseas.

Previously, Taiwan had only allowed Taiwanese citizens to take self-paid COVID-19 tests if they wanted to travel to countries in Southeast Asia, China and Macau to visit relatives residing overseas for reasons including accidents, serious illness or other urgent situations.

The CECC said self-paid tests now are available to local people who can go anywhere for work or to pursue higher education, while their spouses and other family members who travel with them can also take the tests at their own expense.    [FULL  STORY]