Unmasked crowds spotted at local night markets despite Taiwan’s updated mask-wearing policy

Taiwan News
Date: 2020/08/09
By: Ching-Tse Cheng, Taiwan News, Staff Writer

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Huge unmasked crowds were seen swarming local night markets across Taiwan Saturday (Aug. 8) on the first weekend following the Central Epidemic Command Center's (CECC) announcement of eight public environments where mask-wearing is compulsory.

On Wednesday (Aug. 5), Health Minister Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) pointed out that a compulsory mask-wearing policy will be implemented at eight public settings, including night markets and shopping malls, in response to the country's recent uptick in coronavirus cases. He said the regulations will take effect immediately, though no fines will be issued to violators for now.

Despite the new regulations, the majority of the people visiting popular night markets Saturday did not put on a face mask, with those at Taipei's Shilin Night Market being the only exception. According to CNA, most visitors also failed to maintain a safe social distance of one meter.

Visitors interviewed by media complained that the mask-wearing policy is difficult to follow at night markets and places that serve food. Meanwhile, a few people even stressed that Taiwan's pandemic situation is not serious enough for mask-wearing to become compulsory in outdoor spaces.    [FULL  STORY]