Coronavirus: Taiwan puts in order for Pfizer antiviral pill as cases rise
- Health minister says the 700,000 units of Paxlovid should cover 3 per cent of population
- Infections are increasing, while the government has pledged to gradually reopen borders
The government is on alert even though the numbers remain comparatively low and health ministry data shows 99.6 per cent of those infected so far this year had mild or no symptoms.
Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said the pills ordered would be enough to cover 3 per cent of Taiwan’s population, with half of them due to arrive in the second quarter this year.
“The medication could prevent serious illness and is very helpful for overall pandemic prevention,” Chen told reporters.
Since the beginning of this year, Taiwan has reported 3,976 domestic cases, with only 13 people classified as being seriously ill and just two deaths.
Taiwan has maintained mandatory mask wearing and almost 80 per cent of the population have had two vaccine shots while more than 50 per cent have had three.
It is gradually relaxing quarantine rules for all arrivals on the island, but most foreigners apart from residents are still barred from entry.