TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises those who went on trips during the Qingming holiday to monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days, a Taiwanese doctor is recommending those who stayed home to avoid these excursionists during the same period.
As fears mount that the Qingming festival holiday may have led to a new wave of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Taiwan, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) on Monday (April 6) issued an advisory calling on persons who visited crowded areas during the four-day holiday to begin 14 days of self-health management. These holidaymakers are advised to wear masks, wash hands frequently, monitor their temperature, and avoid public places as much as possible over the next two weeks.
In a text warning issued on Saturday (April 4), the CECC stressed that anyone who had traveled to the Pingtung County beach resort town of Kenting or 10 other popular tourist spots, in particular, should notify their schools or superiors at work and preferably work from home for the next two weeks. Those who believe they are developing symptoms of the disease are advised to don a mask, call 1922, and seek medical treatment immediately.
In response to public concern about which measures to follow after their vacation, Hsieh Tsung-hsueh (謝宗學), director of the Chung Shan Medical University Hospital's Department of Pediatric Emergency Care, wrote five major steps to take after the holiday for ETtoday:
1. Strengthen personal hygiene
Wear a mask when going out, try not to touch any objects while outside, avoid touching one's eyes, and wash hands frequently.
2. Travelers should avoid interacting with others for 14 days
Those who went on a trip should avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated places and try not to meet relatives or friends for the next 14 days.
3. Non-travelers avoid those who went on trips for 14 days
Those who stayed at home should avoid people who went on trips during the holiday for the next 14 days.
4. Children should shower after class
Children should take a shower right after returning from school before engaging in any activities at home.
5. Heed the CECC's announcements
Pay close attention to all CECC policies and suggestions and cooperate in implementing them.
