Taipei, Sept. 29 (BNA) The government said Thursday that Taiwan will end the mandatory COVID-19 quarantine for arrivals from October 13 and welcome tourists again, completing a major step in its plan to reopen to the outside world.
Taiwan kept some entry and quarantine rules in place as large parts of the rest of Asia relaxed or lifted them entirely, although in June it cut the number of days required for isolation for arrivals to three from seven previously, according to Reuters.
Taiwan has reported 6.3 million domestic cases since the start of the year, driven by the more contagious Omicron formula. With more than 99% of those asymptomatic or only showing mild symptoms, the government has eased restrictions in the “new Taiwan model”.
Cabinet spokesman Lu Ping-cheng told reporters that with a large population well-protected and the epidemic under control at home, it was time to reopen the borders.
He added that arrivals will still need to monitor their health for seven days and take quick checks, but tourists will be allowed to return.
The government had previously said it aimed to reopen on October 13.
A series of other measures went into effect Thursday, including ending PCR tests for arrivals and resuming visa-free entry for citizens of all countries that previously had this status.
EAE