Taiwan Lowers Mandatory Quarantine To 7 Days From May 9, 2022

Taiwan, which is going through its first major Covid-19 wave right now, is lowering the quarantine requirement for those entering the country effective May 9, 2022.

The quarantine until May 9 is 10 days which is lowered to 7. The quarantine is followed by an additional 7 days of self-monitoring.

Arriving passengers must isolate for the first 7 days (arrival day is considered 0) and have an arrival PCR-RT test and rapid antigen test on day 7.

Recent Developments:

Taiwan Bans Transit Passengers Through September 30, 2022

Taiwan May Allow Quarantine Free Travel From July From Select Countries

Taiwan Centers for Disease Control Release:

On May 3, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that quarantine for all arrivals will be reduced to seven days starting 00:00 on May 9, 2022 (incoming flight’s scheduled arrival time in Taiwan), and changes to related measures are listed below.

I. Required quarantine period and quarantine location:

a. The number of days an arrival should quarantine will be shortened to seven days, and the day of arrival counts as Day 0; a seven-day self-health management will be required starting the 8th day.

b. The arrival should quarantine at home or a residence of a friend or relative, and the principle of one person per residence should be observed. If the principle of one person per residence cannot be followed, the arrival should complete the 7-day quarantine at a quarantine hotel.

c. Family members/household members who arrive on the same day as the arrival may choose to quarantine together in their home or a residence of a relative or they may stay in the same quarter depending on their willingness and room types of the quarantine hotel where they stay. However, due to the space of single rooms, it is recommended that no more than two people share a room.

II. Testing measures:

a. PCR testing: arrivals should undergo PCR testing upon arrival (Day 0) in accordance with the current testing requirement.

b. Rapid testing using at-home rapid test kits:

1. A rapid test will be given on the last day (Day 7) of the quarantine period. One additional rapid test kit will be provided and can be used if symptoms appear during quarantine.

2. In consideration of the age limit on who can use at-home rapid test kits, children under two years of age who are under home quarantine will undergo a PCR test on the last day of quarantine period. People who have difficulty using at-home rapid test kits on their own will receive rapid tests arranged and performed by local governments.

3. At-home rapid test kits will be provided to inbound travelers by international airport/port personnel upon entry.

Conclusion

Taiwan really shouldn’t follow Hong Kong and China with its border measurements, but other Asian countries which have opened up except Japan.

Let’s hope that this quarantine is scrapped soon because the current Covid infection rates in Taiwan are higher than in many other countries (exporting rather than importing cases).