Taiwan exempts reporting and isolation for mild COVID-19 cases starting 20 March 2023

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In addition, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) in Taiwan has announced the plan to reopen flight points for cross-strait passenger service.

Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has announced the exemption of reporting and isolation for mild COVID-19 cases, effective 20 March 2023. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 with mild or no symptoms do not need to report their positive tests or undergo isolation, and they will not receive an isolation notice or text message.

As such, individuals who test positivewith mild or no symptoms are advised to observe the ‘0+n self-health management scheme’. Under this new scheme, they can end their self-health management period if they test negative on a rapid test, or when 10 days have passed since the onset of their symptoms or the date of their positive test.

During the self-health management period, individuals are advised to rest at home if they experience symptoms, and to avoid going out unless necessary. They can go out when they don't experience any symptoms or when symptoms improve (fever has dissipated for at least one day), and should wear a mask at all times when outside.

That said, the ‘0+n self-health management scheme’ has been provided as guidance. Members of the public are free to decide whether to follow it. No relevant penalties will be imposed.

However, individuals with COVID-19 who meet the criteria for COVID-19 complications (moderate and severe illness) will be required to report their illness and undergo isolation for treatment. Elderly people aged 65 or above, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, or individuals who are immunocompromised or have a weak immune system are advised to seek medical consultations if they test positive for COVID-19.

In line with the adjustments to this measure, effective 20 March 2023, the CECC will also discontinue the Contact Tracing Self-reporting System for Confirmed Cases, remote consultations for home care, self-initiated prevention measures for household members of confirmed cases and arrivals, and updating of COVID-19 diagnosis and test data on the Digital COVID-19 Certificate system (DVC) and My Health Bank, and will adjust video consultation protocols in response to COVID-19.

The CECC also pointed out that, in order to successfully implement these changes, a seven-day grace period, from 20 to 26 March 2023, is to be provided. This period will allow both individuals whose date of specimen collection is on or before 19 March 2023 and relevant units to take related measures, such as reporting cases, and to complete administrative procedures.

On the other hand, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) in Taiwan has announced the plan to reopen flight points for cross-strait passenger service. Starting from 10 March 2023, 10 routes for scheduled flights have been reinstated, while charter flights have also been reopened for 13 flight points (See below table).

The MAC added that, passenger transfers under the 'Mini-three-links' will be further reopened from 25 March 2023 to facilitate cross-strait exchanges.

Image / Shutterstock 
Chart / Mainland Affairs Council (MAC)