Hey, Wanna Hang Out? Navigating Taiwan During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Note: These are fictional messages produced for informational/entertainment purposes.

These are fictional messages.

By March 12, Taiwan authorities had fined 70 people for breaking mandatory quarantine. Breaking quarantine in Taiwan has attracted fines of up to NT$1 million (US$33,000)—and that fine can be doubled for anyone who takes public transportation.

Prior to March 19, many people arriving in or returning to Taiwan from the United States and countries in Asia were not subject to mandatory quarantine and were only asked to wear a mask for 14 days and, depending on where they had traveled from, to conduct “self-health management.” That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good idea to go outside.

If you arrived in Taiwan in the last two weeks, or know yourself to be at increased risk, please consider social distancing and limiting your activities out of the house to protect those around you—even if you are not under mandatory quarantine!

Since March 19, all arrivals to Taiwan have been automatically put in home quarantine. At least four people had been fined NT$1 million by March 24.

Please respect home quarantine and check in with people who are undergoing it—virtually, of course! Leaving your accommodation while under self-quarantine is strictly prohibited until the end date indicated on the quarantine form.

Last Thursday, President Tsai Ing-wen 蔡英文 said the next 14 days would be a “critical second stage in the epidemic response effort.” We’re in the thick of it now, so let’s be responsible and remember that we’re all in this together.

(Cover photo via Juan Delcan / Instagram)