On May 16th, The Central Epidemic Command Center reported a staggering 180 domestic Covid cases in Taiwan.  This number is the most Taiwan has ever seen since the beginning of the pandemic. The news has come across as shocking for many Taiwanese, as people began storming marketplaces to stockpile food. Meanwhile, there has been an increased number of people signed up to receive doses of the vaccine, and many more people have visited covid testing facilities in fear that they have contracted the virus. Most people have also stayed home to avoid going to places where there might be a possibility of getting infected. 

As a result of this sudden increase in Covid Cases, the CECC has upgraded the Covid -alert in Taipei city and new Taipei city from a level two to a level three. This would mean that indoor activities will be restricted to a maximum of five people and outdoor activities will be restricted to a maximum of ten people. In addition to those regulations, wearing masks are mandatory for everyone outdoors, and public spaces are required to be shut down. Thankfully, for other cities other than those two, the CECC has maintained the Covid-alert at level two. Where the restrictions are more lenient, indoor activities have a limit of 100 people and outdoor activities have a limit of 500 people. Public spaces in areas of level two should also restrict the amount of visitors, masks should be worn at all times and temperatures should also be taken. 

Despite upgrading Covid regulations, the president of the executive Yuan Su Tseng-chang has maintained that people should still return to school and work, but with added measures to protect health. In addition, the annual standardized testing is also scheduled for the original date. 

With the worsening situation here in Taiwan, what can you do to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and protect yourselves from getting infected? Issued in a press conference, the Taipei mayor has strictly advised every citizen of Taiwan to stay home, wear a mask when outside, and to not eat outside. It is also cautioned to only venture outdoors when necessary as it might increase the chances of you spreading the virus to other people. Make sure to avoid any public gatherings and settings, and constantly wash your hands. It is also suggested to disinfect your surroundings and the objects around you to kill off any viruses that might have gotten into the environment around you. Applications have also been developed to location track Covid cases and where they have been, be sure to download them and become more aware of where you are going. Also remember to tune in to the CECC live stream everyday at 2 to receive the latest updates about Covid-19. Mostly important, stay safe and stay alert.