Headline News
COVID-19 epidemic moving into a "controllable range"
Health Minister Chen Shih-chung, also head of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), said on Monday, May 31, that since a Level 3 alert was launched on May 15 in Taipei and New Taipei and across the country on May 19, the epidemic situation is moving into a "controllable range." Taiwan's R number between May 13-15 hit a peak of 15, however, from Sunday (May 30) to Monday, the R number dropped to 1.02.
Chen said this shows the Level 3 guidelines are having an effect, but the country must actively maintain these measures to reduce the R number to below 1.
The CECC is also working on acquiring more medications that can reduce the effects of severe illness. Chen said the use of effective medications can reduce the number of severely ill patients and deaths, as well as the burden on the medical system.
If Taiwan can bring the R number to below 1, it means the epidemic can be reversed. According to Chen, for Taiwan to lower the R rate further, "Everyone must work hard. Wear masks and wash your hands. Do not go out to family gatherings and minimize unnecessary outings."
Taiwan biopharmaceutical firm to start COVID vaccine delivery in July
United Biomedical, one of three Taiwanese companies developing COVID-19 vaccines, said Thursday (27 May) that it plans to apply for emergency use authorization (EUA) for its vaccine in June and start delivery in July.
United Biomedical began second-stage clinical trials for the vaccine in January, and over 4,000 participants have received the required two doses to date. The company has signed a contract with the government to supply 5 million doses of its vaccines.
Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp., another domestic company with a COVID-19 vaccine in stage-two clinical trials, told CNA that it also plans to apply for a EUA in June and that it will coordinate with the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) on delivery times.
Medigen's vaccine will require two doses, and the company is contracted by the Taiwan government to supply 5 million shots.
Adimmune Corp., which failed to obtain FDA approval for its stage-two trials in Taiwan, had said it was focusing on developing a vaccine against new COVID-19 variants and planned to conduct its clinical trials overseas.
Japan and EU call for peace in Taiwan Strait
Japan and the EU expressed their desire for peace in the Taiwan Strait in a joint statement on Thursday, May 28, following a virtual summit of Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Charles Michel. After discussing COVID-19 recovery, climate change challenges, emerging technologies, and bilateral relations, the two parties issued a statement saying they were “seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas” and that they opposed unilateral attempts to change the status quo.
They also reiterated the importance they place on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues. Additionally, they reaffirmed the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which maintains freedom of navigation and overflight.
This announcement marks the first time the leaders have commented on cross-strait relations, demonstrating their increasing concern over how unstable the situation has become. On May 21, the U.S. and South Korea made a similar joint statement on the strait, while Washington and Tokyo delivered another one in March.
Economy & Society
Taiwan best place for expats
Taiwan retains its title as the best place in the world for expats, based on a survey by InterNations.
In the InterNations Expat Insider report, expats around the world rank Taiwan as the top spot among 59 destinations. Mexico ranks second, with Costa Rica, Malaysia, Portugal, New Zealand, Australia, Ecuador, Canada, and Vietnam rounding out the top 10.
The survey was conducted among 12,420 expats representing 174 nationalities in 186 countries and regions to rate various aspects of their lives abroad.
