TAIPEI, Aug 29 (Reuters) – Taiwan began to tighten its COVID-19 restrictions on Sunday, as the island fights its worst outbreak of the pandemic with daily infections exceeding 10,000 for the first time and authorities warning the situation could soon worsen..
The measures include a ban on indoor dining, with only take-out and delivery allowed, and the closure of cinemas, museums, gyms and other public venues. Masks must now be worn at all times outside the home, while gatherings at private homes will be limited to five people, down from the previous limit of 10..
The measures, which are due to last until Sept. 6, mark a significant tightening of restrictions in Taiwan, which had previously been praised for its success in containing the virus. However, the island has seen a sharp rise in infections in recent weeks, with the daily caseload exceeding 10,000 for the first time on Saturday..
The vast majority of cases are mild or asymptomatic, but authorities are concerned about the potential for the outbreak to overwhelm the healthcare system. Health Minister Chen Shih-chung warned on Sunday that the situation could worsen in the coming days and weeks, and urged the public to take the restrictions seriously..
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