Taiwan committed to combating Wuhan coronavirus

On 30 January, at a special news conference that followed a national security meeting, President Tsai Ing-wen said that the government is taking all requisite steps to minimize the risk of an outbreak of pneumonia caused by the Wuhan coronavirus, while mulling measures to minimise the virus’ impact on the economy.

Tsai said central and local governments are coordinating their efforts and are providing the public with the latest information. The central government is also taking measures to stabilize the supply of medical supplies and surgical masks, and it will tighten the health screening of people arriving from China.

As part of the government’s strategy for handling the global crisis, all relevant agencies and ministries are devising responses to maintain orderly economic activity. These include assisting affected industries with support measures such as partial subsidies, as well as stabilizing the foreign exchange and stock markets.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs, besides adjusting the industry output in line with global conditions, is also liaising with the public and private sectors to keep investment on track.

The government is in close communication with all relevant parties to make sure the Taiwanese nationals in Wuhan receive proper care and are repatriated as soon as possible.