The coronavirus as known as Covid-19 has been around since January 2020. Countries such as France and Germany are still in lockdown as their increase in cases has accelerated in their second wave. However, some countries have shown success in virus containment. Taiwan is one of these countries. Taiwan has the best record of virus containment with less than 600 cases and seven deaths so far. Taiwan’s local transmission rate has been at zero for more than 200 days. This is due to their implementation of various strategies to stop the spread of covid-19.
The first strategy that Taiwan has implemented strict border control. They closed international borders in March and canceled all flights into the country. At the air and sea borders, there is rigorous surveillance of each person showing any symptoms. In addition, returning to Taiwan by sea or air must quarantine for 14 days. Quarantine means that she or he is not allowed to leave their homes or see anyone except visiting the doctor if they are sick.
Taiwan has also made wearing masks mandatory indoor and outdoor. To ensure everyone has access to masks, the government has given everyone reusable face masks. They have done this to prevent the spread of covid-19. In addition, masks production boosted from two million to 20 million in just six months. Already everyone in Taiwan has complied with this rulemaking this strategy successful.
Another strategy that Taiwan has adopted is contact tracing. They have one of the best contact tracing in the world. They have found over 150 close contacts in one case. All close contacts must have a 14-day quarantine. Due to this, there have been very few deaths all around Taiwan and the country has managed to stop the spread of covid-19.
The Taiwan government has implemented intensive public education on hygiene. They have taught the population about proper handwashing and wearing masks. Students are reminded to wear masks and using hand sanitizer. All schools that have the resources are following the rules. There have been very few students getting infected because schools are doing the right thing by protecting them.
These strategies that Taiwan has adopted to stop the covid-19 spread which is strict border control, mandatory masks wearing, effective contact tracing, and intensive public education are successful. I believe other countries could look upon Taiwan as a role model to contain the covid-19 virus.