I. Over the past few days, the local governments of Lian-Jiang County and Kinmen County submitted written requests to resume the operation of "Mini-Three-Links" between their areas and the Mainland. The requests to the MAC were made with a view to the fact that Taiwan's SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) epidemic has gradually come under control, and that resumption of the "Mini-Three-Links" would help to avoid a further negative impact on the basic infrastructure and local industries of Lian-Jiang (Matsu) and Kinmen. A stimulation of the local tourism industry and convenient business exchanges with the Mainland were additional considerations.
II. After a careful evaluation of the situation, and consultations with the Department of Health (DOH) and other related governmental agencies, the MAC found that the domestic SARS epidemic is clearly abating, that the risk of transmitting the virus via transported goods is extremely low, and that public opinion in Matsu and Kinmen is in favor of a resumption of freight transports. Accordingly, in compliance with the government's SARS prevention and control policy, a proposal was submitted to and passed by the Executive Yuan. According to this proposal, the transportation of goods under the "Mini-Three-Links" was resumed as of today (June 19). Details are as follows:
A. As promulgated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Matsu and Kinmen areas are again allowed to import gravel, building materials and porcelain/ceramic products from the Mainland in accordance with current regulations. In addition, Matsu and Kinmen products such as Kaoliang Liquor, Kung Sugar and noodles may be exported to the Mainland in accordance with current regulations.
B. Cargo vessels operating on voyages/routes approved on a case-by-case basis by the shipping authorities are required to strengthen SARS prevention and quarantine measures. In detail this means that they should strongly advise all Mainland /foreign crew members and shipping staff to refrain from disembarking. ROC crew members and shipping staff are dealt with under the current "Border Control and Quarantine Measures" and "Home Quarantine Measures for the Entrants."
III. Since the epidemic situation in the Mainland is still unclear, and the virus appears not completely contained yet, the unconditional reopening of both cargo and passenger contacts under the "Mini-Three-Links" would still carry a potential risk of spreading the SARS epidemic. To control the risk of importing the virus, it is therefore still necessary to closely monitor developments and constantly review regulations, and make timely adjustments accordingly.