Date: February 8, 2020
MAC Press Release No. 21
The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that, from February 10, 2020, direct cross-Strait maritime passenger routes and sailings would be suspended as disease control takes priority. Resumption of the transportation would be reassessed based on the epidemic situation. Related agencies would promptly complete relevant preparations for the suspension.
Considered that mainland China had announced the locked down of 80 cities under "closed-off management" measures on February 7 as the coronavirus (2019-nCoV) reaching its peak, the CECC, based on comprehensive consideration of epidemic prevention and control needs, further decided that direct cross-Strait sea passenger transport would be suspended from February 10. Follow-up matters will be handled according to regulations set by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. Previous preventive measures that have taken place include, decision made on February 4 to prohibit cruise ships that have visited China, Hong Kong or Macao in the last 14 days from entering Taiwan’s ports; announcement on banning all international cruise ships from calling at ports of Taiwan from February 6; and suspension of sea passenger transportation via the "Mini Three Links” beginning on February 10.
Ships currently provide direct cross-Strait transport include the Natchan Rera, Hai Xia Hao, and COSCO Star. According to statistics, direct cross-Strait routes handled approximately 250,000 passengers in 2019 (including charter ship passengers), accounting for 11% of Taiwan's total cross-Strait maritime passenger volume, whereas the “Mini Three Links” accounted for the rest of the nearly 90% of total cross-Strait maritime passenger traffic.