Taipei, Dec. 22, (dpa/GNA) – Taiwan reported a locally transmitted coronavirus case on
Tuesday, after going 253 days without any such a case.
According to Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Centre (CECC), the new Covid-19 patient, a woman from Taiwan in her 30s, is a close contact to a male pilot from New Zealand in his 60s, who was registered as an imported case of coronavirus on Sunday.
Health Minister Chen Shih-chung, who is also the CECC chief, told a televised news conference that the woman had been in the pilot’s presence for days, but that he had concealed the interaction.
Chen said the pilot possibly faces a fine of between 60,000 and 300,000 Taiwan dollars (2,130 to 10,650 US dollars).
As of Tuesday, Taiwan has reported just 770 coronavirus cases, with seven virus-related deaths. The new case increases the number of Taiwan’s locally transmitted cases to 56. Taiwan last reported a locally transmitted case on April 12.
Chen also told the conference that the pair had visited two department stores and a shopping mall between December 8 – 11. He urged anyone who had visited those sites then to closely monitor their health.
Chen said that 13 of 167 people who had contact with the woman had been requested to undergo home isolation. All contacts will be tested.
In addition, the pilot did not wear a mask while travelling to the US. Two co-workers on the flight have since tested positive, according to Chen.
Chen said stricter anti-virus measures prior to year-end celebration events are possible.
Currently, face masks are only required in certain public places, including hospitals, religious venues and on public transport.
GNA