Taiwan's epidemic alert is downgraded to level 2, but doctors reminded “persist in epidemic prevention and do not relax''

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC, 指揮中心) announced that starting July 27, the epidemic alert has been reduced to Level 2. Infectious diseases medicine physician Huang Li-min (黃立民) reminded the public that the vaccine coverage rate in Taiwan is still only at 25%, and it is still far from the 80% coverage rate to reach herd immunity. Even if the vaccine supply is stable, it will take at least two to three months to achieve herd immunity. He urges everyone not to be negligent, and we cannot rely on vaccines alone to prevent the epidemic. Testing and daily epidemic prevention measures must be maintained.

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Huang Li-min reminded "persevere in epidemic prevention and do not relax." Photo/Provided by National Taiwan University Hospital

Huang Li-min, director of National Taiwan University Children's Hospital (台大兒童醫院院長), said that although the local Covid-19 epidemic has slowed down, extensive testing must continue. The earlier infected people are identified, the better, to reduce the R0 value (basic reproduction number). Coupled with strict border control to prevent mutant viruses from entering the country, and with the people following the epidemic prevention measures of the CECC, these are the keys to prevent the next wave of epidemic from recurring.

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Although the epidemic alert has been downgraded, it does not mean that it is lifted. Photo/Retrieved from "Liberty Times"

In addition, although the epidemic alert has been downgraded, it does not mean that it is lifted. The public must still follow the epidemic prevention measures and not relax. In the future, the supply of vaccines will be stable, and it will take 2 to 3 months to achieve herd immunity. At the same time, we must be careful of any new Covid-19 variants. People who test positive with Covid-19 must truthfully inform the quarantine personnel so that proper quarantine procedures can be followed.