NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Social Welfare Department of the New Taipei City Government confirmed on Wednesday (Jan. 24) that public kindergartens and private childcare centers were informed about the removal of the mandatory mask mandate on March 6, 2023, a measure that has not been reinstated since.
This confirmation comes in the wake of a tragic incident at a public kindergarten in New Taipei City, where a toddler stopped breathing and suffered cardiac arrest while lying prone. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the child tragically passed away.
Questions arose as the bereaved family raised concerns about the kindergarten's adherence to the mask rule. They suspected that the child's tears could have wet the mask, potentially leading to asphyxiation.
This incident has sparked debates and confusion among parents regarding whether toddlers should wear masks.
The Social Welfare Department clarified that only hospitals, clinics, general nursing homes, and senior care centers are mandated to enforce mask regulations. They stressed that both public and private childcare providers were notified of this policy.
In terms of legal proceedings, the family has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against the kindergarten's director, surnamed Chang, and two caregivers identified as Lin and Tseng. The police have summoned all three, with Lin and Tseng subsequently transferred to the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office.
After inquiries, both Lin and Tseng were released without bail. The police are currently reviewing the child's emergency medical records for further investigation.