The Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has issued a travel advisory for its young, elderly, and immunocompromised citizens, recommending they avoid visiting China amidst a surge in respiratory illnesses. Despite Beijing’s claims of managing the outbreak effectively, recent actions such as reinstating travel restrictions and disinfecting public areas are reminiscent of measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MOHW’s announcement came following a Cabinet meeting, urging travelers to China, Hong Kong, and Macau to be fully vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 before departure. This advisory has garnered mixed reactions from health experts. Shu-Ti Chiou, an epidemiologist in Taipei, expressed concern that the advisory might lead to misconceptions about avoiding respiratory illnesses solely by not traveling to China. On the other hand, Rajib Dasgupta, a New Delhi-based epidemiologist, questioned the efficacy of travel restrictions in curbing the transmission of respiratory infections.
Other health experts, like Sung-il Cho from Seoul National University, supported the advisory, noting that Taiwan could also see a surge in respiratory illnesses during winter and post-pandemic reopening. He suggested that caution in overseas travel is advisable to not exacerbate the situation.
China, traditionally resistant to externally imposed travel restrictions, often reacts strongly while imposing its own lockdowns and travel bans as necessary. Historical instances, such as China’s initial response to the SARS outbreak, contribute to Taiwan’s cautious stance.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin assured that it is safe to travel, do business, and study in China, downplaying the severity of the current outbreak as a typical flu season. In contrast, Taiwan, asserting its sovereignty, remains vigilant.
Chinese media, like the Global Times, acknowledged the strain on pediatric hospitals due to the influx of respiratory illness cases in children but claimed that the healthcare system is managing better than during the early COVID-19 crisis. Despite social media images showing overcrowded hospitals, Chinese authorities assert that hospitals are effectively prioritizing severe cases.
Doctors in China attribute the current surge to mycoplasma pneumonia, considering it a consequence of prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns. This perspective aligns with some U.S. epidemiologists’ theories that reduced exposure during the pandemic might have impacted natural immunity development.
In China, cities like Sanhe are witnessing a return of stringent coronavirus control measures, including the disinfection of streets and public facilities. This has sparked concern among citizens, with some expressing disbelief over the resurgence of such pandemic-era practices on social media platforms like Douyin.
The National Health Commission of China, through spokesman Mi Feng, emphasized the need for effective prevention and control measures, particularly in densely populated facilities such as schools and nursing homes, hinting at restricted movements and visits to these locations.