Healthcare institutions introduce expanded services for COVID-19 patients
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan has dismissed a claim suggesting that the public no longer requires additional COVID-19 vaccinations. This assertion, made by the President of the Taiwan Counter Contagious Diseases Society, Wang Jen-hsien, who speculated that the public already had sufficient vaccines, was deemed harmful to public health by CDC Deputy Director-General Philip Lo.
Lo underlined the significance of updated vaccinations, particularly those based on the JN.1 strain, in reducing the risk of severe illness and death, particularly among the elderly aged 65 and above. The CDC continues to encourage unvaccinated individuals to receive their shots as soon as possible.
In response to the ongoing outbreak, the Ministry of Health and Welfare will inaugurate additional hospital clinical services beginning tomorrow (Sunday). These services will be in place to manage the potential escalation of COVID-19 cases following the Dragon Boat Festival holiday this weekend. Twenty-one government-run hospitals nationwide will open special COVID-19 outpatient clinics on weekdays and Saturdays to alleviate the burden on emergency rooms, according to an official from the Hospital and Social Welfare Organizations Administration Commission.
As of Thursday, hospitals have adequate supplies of essential drugs, rapid test kits, and antigen test kits, as confirmed by the commission. It is crucial for individuals to wash their hands frequently, wear masks, and get vaccinated while remaining vigilant, according to the CDC. Those with mild symptoms or no symptoms are advised to rest at home, avoid unnecessary outings, and wear masks around others, while those experiencing severe symptoms should immediately seek medical attention.
The estimated peak of the current wave is projected to exceed 200,000 weekly cases during late June and early July, with the Dragon Boat Festival holiday potentially exacerbating the situation, according to the CDC's evaluation.
Additional reporting by Fion Khan.
Science plays a crucial role in managing the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, especially with the development of updated vaccinations based on the JN.1 strain. These vaccinations are essential for maintaining health and wellness, particularly among the elderly, as they reduce the risk of severe illness and death. On the other hand, medical-conditions such as COVID-19 require continuous monitoring and preventive measures like frequent hand washing, wearing masks, and getting vaccinated to minimize spread and complications.
