On-site dining and drinking banned in Taipei starting on May 24

Taipei City government banns all on-site dining and drinking starting from May 24. Stores will only be allowed to serve takeout food or make deliveries. Violators will be fined NT$3,000 to NT$15,000.  

This decision was made due to the increase of domestic Covid infection cases during the weekend. On Saturday (May 22), CECC confirmed 321 n32 domestic cases, including a backlog of 400 cases. While on Sunday (May 23), CECC confirmed 287 new domestic cases, including a backlog of 170 cases.         

According to FOCUS TAIWAN, When the ban was initially announced, it targeted traditional markets and night markets in Taipei. It has now been expanded to include all food and drink vendors.

The relatively high rate shows that in Taipei, particularly Wanhua District, the domestic infection rate has yet to subside and the city government needs to impose stricter rules to contain the spread of the coronavirus, Ko said.

FOCUS TAIWAN mentions, currently Taipei City has four screening sites located in Wanhua district. Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) announced that 20 major hospitals in the city will provide rapid screening testing starting on may 24. And the city government will soon establish COVID-19 rapid screening sites in each of the city's 12 districts.

FOCUS TAIWAN adds, in nearby New Taipei, Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) announced that any medical workers who become infected with the new coronavirus disease as part of their responsibilities will receive a one-off payment of NT$100,000 (US$3,576).

New Taipei City has now 1,043 isolation wards and 10 rapid screening locations in total.

[COVID-19 Alert] If you have visited places with high risk of transmission and experienced any suspected symptoms such as fever, respiratory symptoms, diarrhea, or abnormal sense of smell/taste, please seek medical attention at a designated community testing site.