Second-hand information could compromise Taiwan’s ability to devise timely measures, said Chen Shih-chung
Taiwan News
Date: 2020/05/06
By: Huang Tzu-ti, Taiwan News, Staff Writer
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The head of Taiwan’s coronavirus response task force called upon
Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung (CNA photo)
Taiwan, excluded from the WHO, can only access second-hand information about the development of the COVID-19 outbreak, preventing the country from acting fast and efficiently, said Chen Shih-chung (陳時中), Minister of Health and Welfare and head of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC). The “Iron Minister," which is the moniker Chen has earned for his diligent work and indefatigability, made the plea when speaking to foreign reporters in Taipei on Wednesday (May 6).
"We're unable to see the woods for the trees,” Reuters quoted him as saying, adding that Taiwan could become a gap in global efforts to fight the epidemic if it fails to receive first-hand information for a clearer picture. The nation has lodged complaints against the WHO, including over erroneous case numbers it had for Taiwan and unanswered inquiries about the disease, the report said. [FULL STORY]
