Taiwan mandates 3 COVID shots for high-risk groups, venues

Taipei, April 15 (CNA) People considered to be at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 will have to show proof of three COVID-19 vaccine shots in order to work from April 22, amid a rise in the number of domestic cases in Taiwan, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Friday.

This includes medical workers, government officials assigned to disease control tasks and those whose jobs put them in more frequent contact with possible COVID-19 patients, the CECC said.

Taiwan on Friday reported 1,209 new domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases, breaking its single-day high for a third consecutive day.

The CECC listed several locations where employees are now required to get booster shots in order to work — including community colleges, high schools, elementary schools, preschools, short-term cram schools, learning centers for senior citizens, infant care centers, swimming pools and recreation/sports centers.

Other work locations where three vaccine shots will be mandatory include karaoke bars, video arcades, beauty salons, movie theaters, as well as wedding, conference and banquet venues, according to the CECC.

As these are also activities in which people may come into contact with strangers or may not be able to maintain social distancing, the booster shot requirement will also apply to visitors who are old enough to be vaccinated, it said.

As a result, anyone who goes to the gym, attends intercity religious events such as Dajia Mazu procession, and takes part in local tour groups arranged by travel agencies will be required to show proof of a third shot, the CECC said.

As of April 14, 83.99 percent of people in Taiwan have received at least one COVID-19 shot, while 79.17 percent have gotten two doses and 53.85 percent have received a booster shot, the latest CECC data shows.