Taiwan mandates 3 COVID shots for workers, patrons at clubs and bars

ROC Central News Agency

03/27/2022 06:11 PM

Taipei, March 27 (CNA) Customers and employees at licensed adult entertainment venues in Taiwan are now required to show proof of three COVID-19 vaccine shots, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Sunday.

With immediate effect, the operators of such venues are also required to enforce regulations that would require customers to register their phone numbers upon entry, the CECC said.

Customers must present proof of three COVID-19 shots, and those with symptoms such as a fever and respiratory problems should not be allowed entry, according to the CECC.

Employees, meanwhile, are now required to take a COVID-19 rapid antigen or PCR test on a weekly basis, at least until the end of April, the CECC said.

In addition, they must hold a vaccine certificate that shows they got a second COVID-19 shot at least three months ago and have received a booster dose since then, the CECC said.

The new mandates apply to employees and patrons at adult entertainment venues such as nightclubs, dancehalls, pubs, hostess clubs, karaoke bars, and massage parlors, the CECC said.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung (陳時中), who heads the CECC, said the decision was made in light of a domestic COVID-19 outbreak that was first reported at a karaoke bar in Keelung City, northern Taiwan.

The COVID-19 cluster in Keelung has since grown to 27 cases, including customers and employees, with 19 new infections reported Sunday.

The karaoke bar in Keelung -- an adult entertainment venue that has hostesses -- has been closed until further notice, according to the CECC.

(By Chen Chieh-ling, Hsu Chih-wei and Joseph Yeh)

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