TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Mainland China's COVID-19 prevention policy has taken an unexpected turn, going from a zero-tolerance policy to a complete mass opening. The U-turn has resulted in large-scale infections throughout cities.
As mainland China announces the reopening of its borders, governments worldwide worry that the rapid replication and spread of the virus over a short period of time will result in further mutations.
According to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), among the 524 people who entered Taiwan on Jan. 1, 146 tested COVID-19 positive, meaning a positive rate of 27.8%.
As a result, the CECC announced stricter border control regulations on Tuesday.
Starting on Jan. 6, passengers departing from the mainland and entering Taiwan via Hong Kong and Macau will have to provide a PCR test taken less than 48 hours before their departure or a rapid screening test report conducted within 24 hours of travel.
As the Chinese New Year is right around the corner, doctors are urging the public to stay on high alert and get revaccinated.
"Everyone returns to their hometowns on the eve of the Chinese New Year. That is when the mutated viruses around the world will come together, so to reduce further transmissions, the family members should get revaccinated, which can help lessen the spread," said Chiang Kuan-yu, a doctor at the Taipei City Hospital.
The mutant strain XBB.1.5, currently prevalent in the United States, has an infection rate of more than 40%. Mainland China has also reported cases of the mutant strain XBB.1.5. Taiwan is tightening its control to keep its citizens safe.