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TAIPEI (AFP): Taiwan reported its first local transmission of coronavirus on Tuesday (December 22) and blamed a foreign pilot for ending 253 virus-free days.
Health authorities said a woman in her 30s tested positive after contacting the pilot, a New Zealander who works for a Taiwanese airline.
Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said the pilot had not “truthfully disclosed” his contacts and activities to authorities once he was confirmed as a carrier.
Authorities said the pilot, who faces a fine of up to NT $ 300,000 (US $ 10,600), visited several stores, including a department store.
The infection is a blow to an island that has been lauded for its pandemic response, as it recorded only 770 coronavirus cases and seven deaths after it closed its borders early and implemented strict quarantine rules.
Since April 12, all positive cases have been from a small number of locals returning to the island and also from the few foreigners and migrant workers who are allowed entry for commercial reasons.
The vast majority of arrivals must be quarantined for two weeks and must test negative, a measure that, as of Tuesday, had managed to prevent carriers from introducing the virus into the local community.
Pilots, however, are currently undergoing three less stringent days of self-quarantine after each trip abroad, and the new case has already sparked debate over whether those measures should be toughened.
Shortly after the virus first emerged in central China, Taiwan closed its borders, increased mask production, and launched a well-oiled track and trace program.
Two months after its first outbreak, local infections had ceased.
Throughout the year, the island of 24 million has managed to avoid the widespread shutdown and closures that have plagued the rest of the world.
It is on track to grow its economy by 2.5% this year.
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