Taiwan raises travel alert for Japan, South Korea as virus cases soar

ROC Central News Agency

02/22/2020 12:48 PM

Taipei, Feb. 22 (CNA) The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) on Saturday upgraded its travel alert for Japan and South Korea to Level 2, advising travelers from Taiwan to take personal infection prevention measures while in those two countries, in view of a spike in novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases there.

The travel advisory was raised for Japan after the country saw its number of COVID-19 patients exceed the 100 mark, with infections spread over 14 different prefectures and numerous confirmed cases occurring within communities and hospitals, the CECC said.

As for South Korea, confirmed cases have also soared to 346, of which the majority were or suspected to be indigenous cases, it added.

The epidemic center has a three-level travel alert system consisting of watch, alert and warning -- in order of severity.

Taking into consideration that Japan and South Korea are popular destinations among Taiwanese tourists, the CECC said the travel advisory for these two countries have been raised from Level 1 to Level 2.

It advised people to remain vigilant and to practice safety precautions while in those two countries.

(By Chen Yi-hsuan and Ko Lin)

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