The rest of the world would do well to follow Taiwan’s lead in protecting its people from the COVID-19 pandemic
Epoch Times
Date: March 16, 2020
By:James Gorrie
Soldiers from the militarys chemical units take part in a drill organised by the New Taipei City government to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, in Xindian district on March 14, 2020. – Over 450 medical staff, community volunteers, government employees and military personnel took part in the drill. Despite being so close to the original outbreak in mainland China, Taiwan has just 48 confirmed cases of the Covid-19 disease with one death. (Photo by Sam Yeh / AFP) (Photo by SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images)
That was an entirely reasonable conclusion. With the island nation’s close proximity (80 miles) and deep economic ties with China, it was the perfect scenario for infecting the island’s population.
CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL COVERAGE
What’s more, with hundreds of thousands of Taiwanese working in China and traveling back and forth between Taiwan and the mainland, a widespread infection could hardly be avoided.
But the epidemic never happened in Taiwan.
As of March 14, Taiwan’s infection numbers are amazingly low. With a population of 23.78 million, the country’s total number of cases appears to have stabilized at just 53. Even more impressive is that of Taiwan’s 53 cases of infection, only one death has been reported. Furthermore, 20 people have been released from quarantine and the remaining victims are reportedly in stable condition, although they remain in hospital isolation. [FULL STORY]
