Taiwan is facing a sharp resurgence of COVID-19 cases, with health officials warning that outpatient and emergency room visits could exceed 100,000 per week at the peak of the outbreak in June 2025. This comes as a concerning new wave—described as “fast and furious” by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC)—sweeps across the country, far outpacing previous predictions.
Key Developments
- Surge Far Exceeding Estimates: According to Lo Yi-chun, CDC Deputy Director-General, weekly visits were projected at 55,000–65,000 cases. However, in just the first three days of this week, over 19,189 patients have already sought treatment.
- Testing and Awareness Driving Numbers: The CDC attributes the spike partly to increased testing and public awareness, leading to more confirmed cases than previously expected.
- Hospital Load Warning: If the trend continues, Taiwan’s hospital infrastructure could be under significant strain, especially with concurrent illnesses such as influenza and heat-related conditions rising with the summer heat.
Government Preparedness Measures
- Vaccine Supply Status:
- 3.14 million doses still in stock.
- Citizens who are unvaccinated or received their last shot 6+ months ago are urged to get vaccinated.
- Booster campaigns will focus on elderly, immunocompromised, and frontline workers.
- Antiviral Drug Readiness:
- Paxlovid: 469,000 courses
- Remdesivir: 206,000 doses
- Molnupiravir: 10,000 courses
- Xocova: 5,000 courses — recently approved Japanese oral antiviral, now integrated into Taiwan’s treatment protocols.
- Guideline Updates:
- Paxlovid can now be administered to patients with severe kidney impairment in adjusted doses.
- Xocova, developed by Japan’s Shionogi, is now fully authorized for emergency use and available in hospitals nationwide.
Unique Analysis: Why This Surge Matters
Taiwan had previously seen considerable success with its “COVID-zero” policies in 2020–2022. However, as global travel resumed and virus mutations evolved, Taiwan transitioned to a “coexistence” model with the virus. This current surge marks one of the first major tests of that strategy.
What makes this wave particularly unique is:
- Public fatigue with pandemic measures.
- Decline in booster uptake compared to 2022 and 2023.
- Viral mutation speed that increases transmissibility even in partially immune populations.
If outpatient visits exceed 100,000 per week, Taiwan may need to recalibrate policies such as mask mandates in crowded indoor spaces, expand telemedicine, and increase vaccine incentives.
What Citizens Should Know
- Vaccinate or get boosted if your last shot was over 6 months ago.
- Avoid crowded clinics unless necessary; telemedicine consultations are available.
- Stock basic medical supplies (masks, fever meds) ahead of the projected peak in June.
- Stay hydrated and indoors during high-heat days, especially for seniors, to avoid overburdening emergency services.
FAQs
Why is this COVID-19 wave more intense than previous ones?
Increased transmission speed, declining booster immunity, and wider public movement have made the virus spread faster than before.
Who should take the new antiviral drug Xocova?
It’s primarily recommended for patients with mild to moderate symptoms who are at risk of developing severe illness. A doctor’s prescription is required.
Are hospitals prepared for 100,000+ weekly visits?
While vaccine and medication reserves are strong, emergency departments may experience overcrowding. Non-urgent cases are encouraged to use outpatient clinics or online consultations.
Will Taiwan reinstate pandemic restrictions?
There are no current plans for lockdowns. However, policy adjustments (e.g., mask mandates or crowd limits) may return if the healthcare system becomes overwhelmed.
Is the vaccine still effective against this wave?
Yes. While breakthrough infections occur, vaccination continues to prevent severe illness and hospitalization, especially with recent booster doses.
