DIFFERENCE IN APPROACH: Chen Shih-chung said that the Changhua Public Health Bureau should have first consulted with the CECC before testing asymptomatic cases

Taipei Times
Date:  Aug 21, 2020
By: Sherry Hsiao / Staff reporter, with CNA

President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) yesterday lauded Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) for his leadership of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) in containing COVID-19, while the testing of an asymptomatic arrival from the US by the Changhua County Public Health Bureau has sparked debate and a Department of Civil Service Ethics investigation.

Taiwan’s achievements in containing the COVID-19 pandemic so far shows that a democracy can tackle the challenge without concealing cases, Tsai wrote on Facebook.

As the global pandemic remains severe, the nation needs the CECC to continue making professional and timely decisions, she said, adding that Taiwan needs solidarity and mutual support.

The center on Monday reported an imported case of COVID-19 — the nation’s 485th case — a Taiwanese teen who lives in the US and arrived on Aug. 5 for a family visit.   [FULL  STORY]