Arriving passengers queue to hand in their health clearance forms in compliance with the government’s measures to fight coronavirus March 18 at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. (CNA)

All noncitizens are temporarily barred entry to Taiwan as part of government efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, according to a March 18 announcement by the Bureau of Consular Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
The restrictions, which took effect March 19, do not apply to individuals holding a valid residence certificate or visitors on approved business, diplomatic affairs or other special missions. Regardless of residency status, all arrivals must undergo two weeks of quarantine at home or designated locations, BOCA added.
 
The strict measures follow the latest disease-fighting directives issued by the Central Epidemic Command Center in response to the continued spread of coronavirus around the world.
 
The CECC also raised travel advisories for Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the U.S. to the highest level, recommending against all nonessential visits. The four nations join 94 other countries and territories on the warning list.
 
Latest statistics by the CECC show 108 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Taiwan as of March 19, with one death. A total of 80,928 cases have been identified in China and 129,381 in 147 other countries and territories. (SFC-E)