Taiwan celebrates record 200 days with no confirmed local coronavirus transmission

The United States recorded more than 80,000 new coronavirus infections and more than 1,000 related deaths Wednesday amid a nationwide surge in new cases. Taiwan, meanwhile, reached a milestone: 200 days without recording a single locally transmitted coronavirus infection.

The island of more than 23 million people has officially confirmed 550 cases and seven covid-19 fatalities. Given Taiwan’s density and proximity to China — they are neighbors and locked in a sovereignty dispute — Taiwan’s successful handling of the pandemic has been closely analyzed by health experts...

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2020/10/29/coronaviurs-taiwan-200-days-local-transmission/

Taiwan’s Weapon Against Coronavirus: An Epidemiologist as Vice President- a Johns Hopkins-trained epidemiologist and an expert in viruses.

TAIPEI, Taiwan — The calls come at night, when Taiwan’s vice president, Chen Chien-jen, is usually at home in his pajamas. Scientists seek his advice on the development of antiviral medications. Health officials ask for guidance as they investigate an outbreak of the coronavirus on a navy ship.

Like many world leaders, Mr. Chen is fighting to keep the coronavirus at bay and to predict the course of the pandemic. He is tracking infections, pushing for vaccines and testing kits, and reminding the public to wash their hands.

But unlike most officials, Mr. Chen has spent his career preparing for this moment: He is a Johns Hopkins-trained epidemiologist and an expert in viruses.

That experience has thrust Mr. Chen from behind the scenes to the forefront of Taiwan’s response to the crisis. He has embraced his rare dual role, using his political authority to criticize China for initially trying to conceal the virus even as the scientist in him hunkers down to analyze trends in transmission...

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/09/world/asia/taiwan-vice-president-coronavirus.html