Taiwan CECC sets strict regulations for New Year’s to curb virus activity
This year’s New Year celebration COVID-19-prevention measures will remain the same as last year due to concerns that the cold weather may lead to increased viral activity, Taiwanese Health Minister Chen Shih-chung has said. However, as concerns about the rise of the new, highly infectious virus variant Omicron increases, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced three main virus-prevention regulations to be followed:
- Organisers of New Year’s events are to provide sufficient hand sanitisers, improve the disinfection frequency of public toilets, and set updedicated medical centres
- Besides designated food stalls, no food and drinks are to be sold at the event; free food samples are not allowed at the venues; and attendees are prohibited from eating while walking around
- Indoor events should not sell tickets without corresponding seats
- Real-name registration systems must be in place, while entrances should be limited with staff on-hand to take the attendees’ temperature and perform sanitization
The CECC remarked that performers and hosts can be exempt from the mandatory mask-wearing regulations while on-stage, and depending on local governments, a designated food and drinks area can be established, though the real-name registration system must be implemented.
Chen reminded the public that masks should be worn throughout the entirety of the event and pressed that no food or drinks should be brought to the event.
The CECC added that anyone who violates the regulations or refuses to comply with the rules will be fined according to the Communicable Disease Control.
Meanwhile, the Level 2 epidemic warning issued by the CECC, which includes the reopening of some business operations, will be in place until December 13.
