Taiwan’s Plan to Break Free from Quarantine
The Taiwanese premier, Su Tseng‑chang, announced on Friday, September 16th that the country is gearing up to lift the mandatory quarantine that has been in place for all arrivals. The move comes as the government keeps easing other Covid‑19 restrictions.
Why Now, Why Here?
With more than 5.7 million domestic cases—thanks to the Omicron variant—Taiwan’s health experts point out a silver lining:
- Over 99 % of the cases are mild or asymptomatic.
- The “new Taiwan model” opts for relaxation rather than tightening restrictions.
Result? The government is holding off on seizing the quarantine rule – but not yet setting a concrete end date.
What the Leaders Say
Premier Su admitted that recent case numbers have been climbing, but they’re in line with his team’s expectations. “If in the next two weeks we see the rise predicted, followed by a decline, we could open things up earlier,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chuang Jen‑hsiang, deputy director-general of the Taiwan Centres for Disease Control, hinted that the quarantine could be eliminated entirely next month.
Visiting Taiwan – What’s New?
Last week, Taiwan resumed visa‑free entry for visitors from the United States and Canada, but travelers still need a PCR test on arrival. The government also maintains a cap of 50,000 arrivals per week.
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What’s Been Removed
- Pre‑departure negative PCR tests are no longer required.
- Residents alike can leave and return during the pandemic, though they must quarantine at home or in a hotel.
Before the Pandemic
Prior to Covid‑19, Taiwan was a hot spot for tourism, especially from Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian nations. The “new model” is a step toward restoring that level of activity—minus the headaches of lockdowns.
Bottom Line
At its core, Taiwan’s approach feels less like a pent-up lockdown and more like a careful, open‑handed welcome. With the quarantine rule possibly being outsourced sooner, the island is setting the stage for a smoother, sunnier future at its airports—and hopefully in its sunsets.
