With the Withdrawal of Our People from Wuhan, the Test Has Just Begun

With the Withdrawal of Our People from Wuhan, the Test Has Just Begun

China Times Editorial (Taipei, Taiwan)

February 4, 2020

 Translation of an Excerpt

Disputing for several days without result, the Taiwan Business Association president, in a press conference, spoke in a loud voice "We desperately want to go home"; the other side of the Strait finally affirmed to our side to withdraw our people stranded in Wuhan with a chartered plane. For those helpless, panicking Taiwan businessmen stranded in Wuhan and other Taiwan people, it is a sigh of relief, finally allowing them to leave the high-risk epidemic area. Based on humanitarianism and brothers of the same nation, it of course merits our joy and support. However, facing various possible perils, is the government all set? More importantly, are we, including you and me, all set?

After the government has withdrawn our people from Wuhan, how to prevent the possible epidemic virus from spreading, planning and SOP are the crux for success or failure. Under the pressure of epidemic expansion, "humanity" is being tested; however, looking at the matter with rationality and professionalism, the degree of danger for the Wuhan pneumonia ought not to exceed that of SARS. Today's medical care and public health standards, as well as understanding about viruses, far surpass the time when SARS occurred 17 years ago. For the government and society to handle it with prudence and care is the correct attitude to face uncertain risks; however, never allow it to be an irrational and excessive response, or even so radical as to jettison humanity and humanitarianism. Government education and publicity, as well as practicing what it preaches, are important factors for society in avoiding over-agitation and an improper response. The Mainland has sent back Taiwan businessmen stranded in Wuhan, exhibiting humanitarian spirit; it is time that the government stopped bullying the Mainland, creating cross-Strait private sector hatred.

With the withdrawal of Taiwan businessmen stranded in Wuhan, the government should be well prepared, and society should also be well prepared, never bullying the Taiwan businessmen coming home from Wuhan as an epidemic virus.

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