To Fight Against the Epidemic 2nd Wave Offensive, We Have to Deploy a New Strategy

 To Fight Against the Epidemic 2^nd Wave Offensive, We Have to Deploy a New Strategy

United Daily News Editorial (Taipei, Taiwan)

March 2, 2020

 Translation of an Excerpt

The Central Epidemic Command Center has been elevated to Level 1; the public is also confronting the second wave offensive of the COVID-19 epidemic. In the external situation, the epidemic has rapidly spread to all continents; large-scale eruptions have occurred in South Korea, Italy, Iran and other countries. The entire world has thus entered an "extremely high" level of risks. In the internal situation, Taiwan has continuously erupted cases of unidentifiable origin of infection, and has reported intra-hospital infections through patients and nurses. Taiwan tourists from Japan, the Middle East and other regions have also brought in the virus, making the situation even thornier.

In the over-a-month-long first wave of anti-epidemic battle, thanks to the untiring efforts of domestic anti-epidemic personnel who have persevered in their respective stations, Taiwan's anti-epidemic record has been outstanding. However, the COVID-19 virus is mounting a mighty attack in the second wave of offensive, plus the movement of population in connection with the openings of schools as well as holidays for February 28 Memorial Day and Tomb Sweeping Day, our epidemic control strategy must be holistically reassessed; the public must also know the ways of prevention and care anew.

From more than a month of epidemic prevention experiences, many have gradually come to understand that the simple practice of "washing hands frequently" has become, in fact, the best strategy for self-preservation in countering the epidemic. This shows that the public’s fear of contagious diseases in the past lies in the inadequate consciousness of health education and public health, and that what should truly be strengthened is health knowledge and living habits.

Right now, many countries are researching and developing vaccines and medications for COVID-19, and some progress has been reported. More importantly, the nations in the world exchange with one another techniques and methodologies in countering the epidemic to see which treatment is rapidly efficacious to mild and serious patients, so as to reduce the risks of death for the patients. Mainland China has reported over 40,000 cured patients, which is huge in numbers, with rich experiences. Despite the fact that political communication across the Strait is not benign, interchanges in medical and academic circles should not be suspended.

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