President Tsai Ing-wen (left) is all ears during a briefing at a COVID-19 testing kit and vaccine development lab headed by the CDC under the MOHW March 19 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of Presidential Office)

President Tsai Ing-wen praised the work of frontline personnel responding to the COVID-19 pandemic March 19 and said the government is sparing no effort containing the disease’s spread in Taiwan.
 
As the global coronavirus outbreak continues to escalate, thousands of people are working around the clock to keep Taiwan safe, the president said, including researchers developing rapid testing kits, lab technicians performing coronavirus screening and medical staffers treating patients.
 
These unsung heroes lie at the heart of Taiwan’s first line of defense against the disease, Tsai said, adding that their selfless contribution is appreciated by the government and people.
 
Tsai made the remarks during a visit to a COVID-19 testing kit and vaccine development laboratory headed by the Centers for Disease Control under the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taipei City. 
 
According to Tsai, 34 designated facilities across Taiwan can screen 3,200 individuals for coronavirus per day, with the country’s testing capacity constantly increasing.
 
Further support is in the pipeline with the recent announcement of joint cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. on COVID-19 treatment and testing, Tsai said. This positive development is a strong vote of confidence in local R&D, she added.
 
Tsai also thanked the public for complying with the government’s disease-prevention directives. These efforts are key to combating coronavirus, she said, adding that working together showcases the civilized nature of Taiwan society.
 
Latest statistics from the Central Epidemic Command Center reveal 195 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Taiwan as of March 23, with two deaths. A total of 81,093 cases have been identified in China and 248,309 in 165 other countries and territories. (SFC-E)