All arrivals to Taiwan will soon be required to submit results of a COVID-19 test taken in the two days prior to their flight, while migrant workers who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to be tested before changing jobs or workplaces, health authorities said Monday.
The testing requirements for travelers is being tightened in light of the recent rise in imported COVID-19 cases in Taiwan, many of whom have tested positive upon entry, Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung (???) said Monday at a press briefing.
According to data from the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), Taiwan recorded 109 imported cases of COVID-19 from Dec. 20-26, a 76 percent increase compared to the week prior.
Currently, all incoming travelers have to submit proof of a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken before their flight, and the certificate has to be issued within three days prior to the date of the flight.
For instance, if a flight departs Dec. 4, the report has to be issued on or after Dec. 1.
Under the new testing requirements, which will apply to those who embark for Taiwan beginning Jan. 4, arrivals will have to submit negative results of a PCR COVID-19 test taken within two days prior to the date of the flight.
If the flight departs Jan. 4, for example, the test has to be administered on or after Jan. 2, according to the CECC.
The new rules will make flights safer and lighten the load on Taiwan’s medical system, Chen said.
Travelers who are unable to present a valid COVID-19 test result upon arrival to Taiwan will be fined NT$10,000 (US$361) to NT$150,000.
Chen also announced Monday that effective immediately, migrant workers in Taiwan who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 do not need to undergo PCR COVID-19 tests before changing employers or switching between workplaces managed by the same employer.
The adjustment was made to ensure migrant workers’ rights and meet the demand for workers domestically, according to the CECC.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel