TRA's push to extend coronavirus measure indefinitely does not sit well with SE Asian community, Taiwanese allies

Taiwan News
Date: 2020/05/23
By: Micah McCartney, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Hundreds staged a sit-in at Taipei Main Station on Saturday (May 23) to protest a proposed ban on sitting in the lobby, which would deprive the country's Southeast Asian communities of a longtime spot for weekend rendezvous.

Taipei Railways Administration (TRA) in February announced it was banning visitors from sitting in the lobby of the central transportation hub to mitigate the risk of the coronavirus spreading. It also prohibited exhibitions and other events from taking place on the sprawling, checkered floor of the hall.

On May 18, TRA said it was weighing extending the moratorium on sitting indefinitely, citing health and image concerns. Station Master Huang Jung-hua (黃榮華) noted how orderly the space had become since the measure took effect and even floated installing seats for waiting passengers.

The announcement did not sit well with some, with those opposed arguing such a move would be a blow to openness and inclusivity. Transportation and Communications Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) voiced support for re-opening the lobby to all, including the migrant workers who gather there.    [FULL  STORY]