Taiwan

Taiwan Opens Borders, Ends Quarantine After 2.5 Years | Taiwan News


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan on Thursday (October 13) opened its borders to international travelers and ended a strict two-and-a-half-year quarantine since entry from all countries was banned due to the pandemic.


The country issued a level-3 travel warning for all countries and regions on March 21, 2020. This means most foreign travelers will be banned from traveling to Taiwan across the board, with only citizens and residents allowed to enter after a 14-day period. isolation.


This policy lasted for two years, but began to be gradually relaxed in April of this year as the state adopted a policy of co-existing with COVID. The process accelerated as Taiwan opened its borders in two phases: one on Sept. 29 and another on Oct. 13.


In the first stage, Taiwan will increase the weekly inbound passenger limit from 50,000 to 60,000, start the “one person, one room” principle, end saliva testing on arrival, and expand visa-free travel to countries. In the second stage, Taiwan canceled the quarantine and switched to the “0+7” model, allowing the entry of tourists from countries requiring regular visas, increasing the weekly inbound passenger limit to 150,000, and canceling the ban on group tours. foreign.


According to the “0+7” plan, inbound passengers no longer need to be quarantined, but start a 7-day self-health monitoring. Four rapid test kits will be provided to all arriving passengers aged two and over. On the day of arrival (Day 0) or the following day (Day 1), passengers are advised to undergo a rapid antigen test.


No further testing is required unless the traveler has symptoms suspected of COVID or they plan to travel during the self-monitoring phase. If a person needs to venture outside during this time, they must have a rapid antigen test and get a negative result within 48 hours of leaving the residence.


Level 3 warning ends


The Central Epidemic Prevention Command Center announced on Wednesday (October 12) that after a lapse of 936 days, it will lower the global COVID travel warning from level 3 to level 2 on October 13. The center now advises Taiwanese to be fully vaccinated 14 days before the expected date of overseas flights.


Group travel ban ends


After the implementation of the “0+7” plan on October 13, the “group prohibition order” that the tourism industry is not allowed to organize a group to go abroad or take a group to travel to Taiwan will be relaxed. Entering the country can now recruit participants.


“0+7” rule for migrant workers coming to Hong Kong


Foreign caregivers serving critically ill high-risk groups such as those over 65 years old and under the age of 6, who are immunocompromised, should stay in hotels or dormitories during the “0+7” period. They are not allowed to remain in their employer’s home during this time, except in exceptional circumstances, in which case daily COVID testing is required.


However, foreign industrial workers and caregivers who provide services to people who are not at risk of severe illness and who have tested negative for COVID on a rapid antigen test can perform permitted work during the 7-day quarantine period.


“0+7” rules for foreign students entering the country


Overseas students studying in China will no longer be quarantined, and the “0+7” plan will be implemented. During this time, students who are asymptomatic and have received a negative COVID test result within the past two days may venture out to attend classes.


In terms of accommodation in the “0+7” stage, international students can stay in relatives and friends, hotels, self-rented houses, dormitories, etc. One condition is that these accommodations must follow the principle of one person, one room, with separate bathrooms from other occupants.


“0+7” policy for students who have been in close contact with a COVID case


Local students who have been exposed to a COVID case and have received three doses of the vaccine can return to class following the “0+7” formula if they are asymptomatic and have a negative COVID test result. This policy will apply to students, faculty and staff who have been vaccinated for three shots, while students, faculty and staff who have not been vaccinated will be monitored in accordance with the “3+4” plan of three days of home isolation and four days of self-health.


For more information on the “0+7” arrival regulations, please refer to this article.



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