Taipei: Taiwan experienced an 88.2 percent increase in COVID-19 outpatient and emergency visits last week, as reported by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Kuo Hung-wei, head of the CDC Epidemic Intelligence Center, disclosed that from May 11-17, there were 19,097 such visits.

According to Focus Taiwan, this figure marks an increase from the previous week, but remains below the 23,778 visits reported in the 20th week of 2024. Additionally, 93 new severe cases and four deaths were recorded from May 12-19.

CDC Deputy Director-General and spokesperson Lo Yi-chun indicated that the rise in cases may be linked to a shift in dominant COVID-19 variants. Lo projected that a peak is expected in mid-to-late June, with weekly visits potentially reaching 55,000 to 65,000.

Lo explained that the XEC variant was prevalent six weeks ago, but the NB.1.8.1 variant from the XDV family, known for higher transmissibility, has spread rapidly over the past five weeks. Immunity from last year’s peak has mostly waned, he noted.

He anticipated that the current wave of COVID-19 will crest in mid-to-late June, with weekly visits between 55,000-65,000-about half of last summer’s peak of 130,000 weekly visits-and continue through July.

Lo reassured that the XDV variant is closely related to the JN.1 variant, and that existing JN.1 vaccines and treatments remain effective. He stated that the drug stockpile is adequate, including over five months of Molnupiravir, with open contracts for additional procurement.

He also mentioned that the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has worked with Taiwanese manufacturers to boost production, with weekly output expected to reach 70,000 to 80,000 medical and at-home rapid tests, totaling about 150,000-160,000.

These tests will continue to be available at major convenience store chains, pharmacy chains, and locally-owned pharmacies, he added.