COVID-19 Surge in Taiwan: Hospital Visits Soar Amidst New Wave

Taiwan's CDC Issues Warning as Hospitalizations Rise Sharply.

Hospital visits related to COVID-19 in Taiwan experienced a significant surge, with a 113 percent increase last week, reaching a total of 41,402, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC has advised the public to increase precautions, including wearing masks in specific public settings to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Lee Chia-lin (李佳琳), Deputy Director of the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Center, indicated that weekly hospital visits have been on the rise for seven consecutive weeks. Last week also saw the highest weekly numbers this year for severe COVID-19 cases, with 102 reported, and deaths, totaling 19.

Lee Tsung-han (李宗翰), a CDC physician, shared that the youngest individual hospitalized due to COVID-19 this year was a one-month-old baby. The infant, who does not have any congenital disorders and is too young to be vaccinated, presented with cold-like symptoms including a cough, runny nose, and fever. Upon hospitalization, the baby developed shortness of breath and pneumonia, testing positive for COVID-19. The infant's condition stabilized, but remains in the intensive care unit.

A family member of the infant recently experienced respiratory symptoms but tested negative for COVID-19 and is not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.

“Local COVID-19 activity is coming menacingly, and the increase in cases has exceeded our previous prediction,” stated Philip Lo (羅一鈞), CDC Deputy Director-General.

The CDC has adjusted its initial projections, anticipating a peak of 150,000 to 200,000 cases per week during the latest wave. The peak period is projected to occur between late next month and early July. This prediction may be revised based on data collected after the upcoming three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday.

With increased travel and family gatherings expected during the holiday, the CDC is urging the public to wear masks in three key settings: hospitals, clinics, and long-term care centers; on public transportation; and in crowded indoor venues, particularly for those aged 65 or older or with underlying health conditions.

The CDC also recommends that individuals experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms wear a mask when outside until five days after symptoms subside and to prioritize rest at home.

Parents are encouraged to remind children to practice frequent handwashing with soap, and indoor play areas should be regularly disinfected to prevent enterovirus infection.

Lee also noted a rise in enterovirus infections, with 4,911 hospital visits reported last week, marking the seventh consecutive week of increasing cases. While the weekly numbers have not yet reached the epidemic threshold, enterovirus activity typically peaks this month and next month. The CDC estimates the epidemic period may commence in the second half of next month.