April 17, 2020–Taiwan reported no new coronavirus cases on April 14, 2020, marking the first-time authorities there have reported zero new cases in more than a month. It’s also the latest achievement for a health system that first acted to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in December.
With a population of around 23 million, Taiwan has only 393 confirmed COVID-19 cases; six people have died from the disease. The last time Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center announced no new cases was on March 9 – 36 days ago.
Taiwan has won praise for keeping the coronavirus under control despite the country’s close links with China. Millions of people travel between the island and the mainland every year — including 2.7 million visitors from the mainland last year.
Because of its aggressive and early response to the coronavirus, Taiwan — like Hong Kong and South Korea — has been able to avoid lockdown measures and keep many schools, restaurants and offices open.
An academic paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) last month credited Taiwan’s government with taking 124 actions to identify potential cases of the then-emerging respiratory virus.
Source: National Public Radio (NPR.org) Read The Article
PSR Analysis: As each of us comes to grips with the effects of COVID-19 in our personal, professional, and social lives, and as we evaluate the actions taken by our leaders, it is good to be reminded of places that seem to have gotten it right. Taiwan is one such place. This small island so near the epicenter was quick to act and has been able to avoid some of the tragedy that has befallen so many other regions.
Naturally, many businesses and factories have suffered production shutdowns and furloughs of workers, especially at smaller enterprises. But in many cases larger manufacturers have been able to remain open, and here we see encouraging signs.
Taiwan Semiconductor, and other chip makers, exceeded forecasts in Q1 2020. Gogoro, the electric scooter maker, has experienced sales growth during this pandemic as riders seek alternatives to public transportation, while simultaneously taking advantage of government incentives to move away from engine-powered scooters.
Horizon Yachts offices and its Kaohsiung shipyard have remained open throughout the COVID-19 spread. There will come a time to examine what could have been done better, but for now, let’s learn what we can from this country’s country’s leaders and citizens as we seek solutions and find new ways to support each other. PSR
Erik Martin is Director – Asia Region
