As of 10.45am on February 20, a total number of 24 persons have been diagnosed with the Novel Coronavirus in Taiwan. Is this safe for Malaysian travel to Taiwan? Let’s check out what kind of prevention measures have been implemented by Taiwan Government and Tourism Bureau before make the final decision. ?? ?? ??

?Taiwan Tourism Bureau Kuala Lumpur Office Statement released on 19 February 2020. 

Due to the rapid outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) in Wuhan, China, which has greatly affected tourism activities in the entire Asian region, Taiwan Government has now established the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC). This center aims to greatly improve the comprehensive prevention of the coronavirus spread in Taiwan. 

As of 16.00pm on February 19, a total of 23 patients in Taiwan have been diagnosed with the Novel Coronavirus. The command center stated that hospitals and local health units have followed the procedures for reporting cases of severe special infectious pneumonia for reporting, inspection, quarantine treatment, epidemic investigation, and tracking back 14 days who may be exposed. There have been no community outbreaks. The risk to foreign travelers of infection in Taiwan is very low. 

? ? ? The Taiwan Government has taken the following measures to prevent the spread of the Novel Coronavirus:

1. Taiwan has completely stopped the issuance of entry permits for China tourist groups and travelers. 
2. Foreign nationals who have visited or resided anywhere in the PRC (China), including Hong Kong and Macao, in the previous 14 days will be temporarily prohibited from entering Taiwan starting February 7. 
3. Travelers who transit though China, Hong Kong and Macao and are granted entry into Taiwan and will be required to be under home quarantine for 14 days starting from February 10. 
4. All travelers entering Taiwan, regardless of nationality of where their trip originated will be required to submit a health declaration on arrival in the country. The health declaration required travelers to state if they have any symptoms of the Novel Coronavirus and whether they traveled to China, Hong Kong and Macao in the 14 days prior to entering Taiwan. 
5. Taiwan Government is continuously reminding the public of the importance of hand washing, as well as key measures that need to be taken for better health protection such as wearing masks especially in crowded places. 

?? ?? ?? The immediate response and vigilance of Taiwan Government and its people has significantly improved the country’s safety and protection from the outbreak. 

Taiwan’s public health and medical services are well-prepared and fully-equipped. Likewise, tourist attractions and destinations are safe for everyone. Therefore, tourists from all over the world are continuously welcomed. As a safety precaution, and to ensure that everyone continues to have an enjoyable experience traveling around Taiwan without fear of being infected by the Novel Coronavirus, tourists are reminded to pay careful attention to personal health before traveling. 

There will be updates to situation and you will able to find these updates on Taiwan Centers for Disease Control’s website https://www.cdc.gov.tw/En or https://event.motc.gov.tw/index.jsp?webid=202002100001 and social media channels, which we strongly encourage you to share with anyone that are planning to visit Taiwan.Sources from Taiwan Tourism Bureau

【WHO】Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Advice for the Public
【AIG MALAYSIA】Travel Advisory - China Coronavirus Update
【MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA】HEALTH ALERT!