The case is reported to be linked to a cluster of overseas pilots
22 December 2020 • 9:24am
LIfe has remained relatively normal in Taiwan this year although mask wearing is high
Credit: Ritchie B Tongo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Taiwan on Tuesday reported its first locally transmitted Covid-19 case since April 12, jolting the island of 23 million out of its much praised infection-free streak of more than 250 days.
The individual who tested positive for Covid-19 was a friend of a person who had already been confirmed to have been infected with the virus, the health minister, Chen Shih-chung, told a news conference.
The case is believed to be linked to a cluster among overseas pilots flying cargo planes in and out of the Taiwanese capital, Taipei, which began with a New Zealand pilot in his 60s who was likely infected during a trip to the United States.
Taiwan News reports.
According to the site, Chuang told the press that the Kiwi had travelled to the US on November 29, where it s understood he became infected. He flew back to Taiwan on December 4.
After quarantining for three days upon his arrival - which is standard protocol for pilots entering the country - the Kiwi reportedly embarked on a four-day solo trip around northern Taiwan from December 8 to December 11.
According to
Taiwan News, the man s movements are under investigation by the CECC and local police. Officials are also working to identify the man s close contacts over those four days.
On December 12, the man - who authorities believe was still infectious at the time - reportedly travelled back to the US with the Taiwanese and Japanese pilots. The three returned to Taiwan on December 15 and the female pilot tested positive for COVID-19 three days later.
According to
Reutersand Taiwanese media
Central News Agency (CNA), the case in question is a friend of a pilot from New Zealand who had already been confirmed to be infected with Covid-19.
Meanwhile, 167 people who have had direct contact with the new locally-transmitted case are currently being tested.
The New Zealander himself had tested positive on Dec. 20, following his return on a cargo flight which he had operated from the U.S. on Dec. 16,
Pilot from New Zealand did not correctly report all of his contacts
In addition, Taiwan s Health Minister Chen Shih-chung highlighted that the pilot had not correctly reported all of his contacts and locations that he had visited.
CECC spokesman Chuang Jen-hsiang told reporters the man had travelled to the US in late November, where it s believed he contracted the virus. After completing three days of quarantine upon his return to Taiwan, the man embarked on a four-day trip around the north of the country from December 8 to December 11. It s understood he was infectious during this period.
On December 12, the Kiwi flew back to the US with the two pilots, and reportedly did not wear a mask for the duration of the flight. One of the co-pilots, a Taiwanese woman in her 30s, was the first to test positive. The Kiwi and the other pilot, a Japanese man in his 20s, were subsequently tested as close contacts.