Taiwan enters new COVID-19 epidemic phase as cases surge 66.5%

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TAIPEI, Jul 22: Taiwan has officially entered a new COVID-19 epidemic phase after infections rose sharply, with 4,766 people seeking treatment during the week of July 12–18, marking a 66.5% increase from the previous week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said.

The CDC also reported 25 domestic cases of severe COVID-19 complications, including five deaths, during the period of July 14–20.

Since October 2025, Taiwan has recorded 161 severe cases and 23 deaths linked to COVID-19.

Health authorities said the NB.1.8.1 variant has remained the dominant strain in Taiwan over the past four weeks. Common symptoms include sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, fever, fatigue, headache and muscle aches, while only a small number of patients have reported a temporary loss of smell or taste.

The CDC said Taiwan has sufficient supplies of antiviral medications and vaccines, including publicly funded courses of Paxlovid, Xocova and injectable Remdesivir, to respond to the outbreak.

Officials also noted rising COVID-19 activity across several parts of Asia, including China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea, while positivity rates continue to increase across the Western Pacific region.

With summer travel and large gatherings underway, the CDC urged the public to maintain good hygiene, wear masks in healthcare facilities and crowded indoor spaces, and get vaccinated.

Taiwan has expanded eligibility for publicly funded COVID-19 vaccination to everyone aged six months and older through July 31, with health officials citing studies showing vaccines remain effective at preventing infection and provide about 50% protection against severe illness.