Press Release of the Offshore Control Division of the Executive Yuan's SARS Prevention, Control and Relief Committee
Taking consideration of public opinion and the necessity in dealing with the local SARS epidemic, the Executive Yuan suspended passenger and cargo transports between Matsu and Kinmen and the Mainland on April 1 and May 15 respectively. At that time, facing with the unknown characteristics of SARS transmission and because of the public¡¦s concerns over the spread of the disease, the Government adopted the most stringent measures regarding the "Mini-Three-Links" implemented in Kinmen and Matsu, and that was also based on the government¡¦s primary concern of disease prevention and its respect for local opinion. It is believed that the Mainland would understand the necessity of such stringent measures.
The "Mini-Three-Links" implemented in Kinmen and Matsu are important channels for cross-Strait personnel contact. During the suspension of passenger and cargo transports, the epidemic prevention measures adopted by local governments in Kinmen and Matsu were different in form and in demand from the regular border control measures adopted in Taiwan. In view of the above fact, prior to the resumption of passenger and cargo transports, the Mainland Affairs Council sent personnel to Kinmen and Matsu to gain first-hand understanding of the local preparatory work for quarantine and prevention measures, including personnel allocation for entry inspection, availability of facilities, monitoring measures, local emergency response measures, setting up quarantine wards, coordination efforts in transporting patients, and passenger evacuation. After the MAC coordinated with the relevant government agencies to improve those defective areas in local preparatory work for, the general measures have been in place. In addition, since the measurement of body temperatures will no longer be required in domestic airports starting July 15, relevant airport quarantine inspection personnel may be re-located to the ports. Therefore, we have taken disease prevention first priority and completed the most stringent inspection measures and comprehensive preparations, thus allowing passenger and cargo transports under the "Mini-Three-Links" to be resumed starting July 16. The adjustments made are as follows:
I. Full resumption of cargo transports under the "Mini-Three-Links."
II. Full resumption of passenger transports under the "Mini-Three-Links." However, approvals for personnel contact are adjusted as follows:
(I) Taiwan residents can travel to and from the Mainland via Kinmen and Matsu again.
1. Those who have been issued multiple entry and exit permits in accordance with Article 10-2 of the "Regulations Governing the Trial Implementation of Transportation Links Between Kinmen, Matsu and the Mainland Area" can resume travel to and from Taiwan.
2. For those applying for single entry, the reviewing and approving agency can take adjustment and control measures to deal with their application based on its authority.
3. Residents of Taiwan should follow a "self-care procedure" upon entry.
(II) Mainland residents traveling to and from Kinmen and Matsu:
1. Mainland spouses and their accompanying children who comply with Article 15 of the "Regulations Governing the Trial Implementation of Transportation Links Between Kinmen, Matsu and the Mainland Area" may be allowed to travel to and from the Mainland via Kinmen and Matsu.
2. Social exchanges, such as family reunion or visiting patient, professional exchanges, or travels will be approved on a case-by-case basis.
3. "Self-Care Procedure" should be followed upon entry, and the local government will take appropriate monitoring and management measures.
4. Corresponding adjustments will be made in the future in conjunction with the subsequent comprehensive measures governing Mainland residents¡¦ travel to Taiwan.
(III) The relevant agencies and local governments should continue to strengthen their quarantine and prevention measures.
Because of the gradual control over the SARS situation, the Executive Yuan on June 19 reopened the cross-Strait cargo transportation under the "Mini-Three-Links" on a case-by-case basis. However, due to factors attributable to the Mainland, actual cross-Strait cargo transportation has yet to be resumed. Upon the resumption of cargo and passenger transports this time under the "Mini-Three-Links," transportation companies from both the Mainland and Taiwan can apply for shipment permits at the relevant agencies in Taiwan and make an application with the Mainland in accordance with procedures, so as to gradually resume cargo and passenger transports that had been suspended due to the SARS epidemic. We urge the Mainland to acknowledge the rights and need to have contacts between the people on both sides of the Strait and positively make perfect relevant procedures to facilitate the resumption of cargo and passenger transports under the "Mini-Three-Links." Since the effective implementation of continued disease prevention measures depends on cross-Strait cooperation, the Mainland should fully disclose relevant information in a timely and transparent manner, so that both sides can cooperate in constantly having a grip on and control over the disease.