Press Release of the Offshore Control Division of the Executive Yuan's SARS Epidemic Prevention, Control and Relief Committee
The Offshore Control Division of the Executive Yuan's SARS Epidemic Prevention, Control and Relief Committee held its eight meeting this morning (May 5). With most offshore control problems being gradually addressed, the Offshore Control Division is now at the stage of examining and reviewing the implementation of SARS prevention procedures. In addition to continuing dealing with the matters decided in the solution and those under the follow-up surveillance, the Offshore Control Division decided to set up a special task force charged with reviewing current customs procedures, and with strengthening information exchange and cooperation between the Offshore Control Division and the Home Quarantine Division. This will allow efficient registration of incoming passengers and reliable implementation of quarantine measures.
All passengers entering Taiwan who meet the conditions for compulsory quarantine are put on a list, and their data are input in computers upon arrival at CKS International Airport or Kaohsiung International Airport. These data are then transmitted to local health authorities to allow them constant access to all necessary information on quarantine subjects. The Offshore Control Division calls on all travelers arriving from areas with a concentration of SARS cases not to try to circumvent quarantine regulations, but to truthfully fill in their address and other personal data requested in the Questionnaire for SARS Prevention. After being served their quarantine notices, they should report in person or via telephone to the competent authority (i.e. the local health office, village/borough warden, or their workplace administrator). Should they fail to do so, the competent authority will handle the matter in accordance with the relevant regulations.
In a previous session, the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) had reported on the potential need for medical support to Taiwan businesses in the Mainland. The Department of Health (DOH) has already completed a list of medical experts and scholars who can provide SARS-related counseling service. The SEF has forwarded this list to Taiwan businesses in the Mainland via Taiwan businesspeople associations and other channels. In the case of the first Taiwan businessperson who died of SARS in the Mainland (in Dung Guan), the SEF has already issued condolence money to the bereaved, and entrusted the competent Taiwan businesspeople association to contact the Mainland's local authorities and help the family of the deceased with the funeral arrangements.
Also in today's session, the Industrial Development Bureau, MOEA, reported on the implementation of SARS prevention measures in Taiwan's industrial harbors, the Mailiao Industrial Harbor in Yunlin and the Hoping Industrial Harbor in Hualian. The MOEA declared that it had set up special task forces in the industrial harbors under its jurisdiction as early as the end of March. The Industrial Development Bureau's personnel and the Center for Disease Control's staff, all deployed at the harbor facilities, are daily in touch to review the situation and discuss proper prevention measures in response. All ships are required to report the body temperatures of their crew one hour before entering harbor, and to fill out SARS questionnaires for inspection by the quarantine agency. If everything appears to be normal, the ship is then guided into the harbor. To prevent quarantine loopholes, all Taiwan crew members coming from areas with a concentration of SARS cases who wish to disembark must be quarantined according to regulations, and be placed under follow-up surveillance by the competent health authorities.
In addition, the Coast Guard Administration (CGA), National Police Administration (NPA) and the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) have jointly set up a task force. This task force has drafted the “Outline for Implementing the SARS Epidemic Control and Relief Committee's NRCD Enforced Crackdown on Illegal Immigration and Smuggling.” In accordance with this outline, a “SARS Cleanup Campaign” was initiated that has already been ratified by the Executive Yuan. It will become law later today and be put into practice immediately. As an accompanying measure, the Ministry of Defense has been asked to increase sea and coast patrols as a contribution to epidemic prevention efforts.
The “Temporary Provisions for SARS Prevention and Relief” have been passed in third reading by the Legislative Yuan. The Government Information Office is publishing a special pamphlet explaining the provisions in detail. This brochure is distributed to all relevant departments to serve as legal source for all measures and procedures to be implemented. To inform the public, the Provisions are also to be printed on large posters to be displayed in airports and harbors.