The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced two confirmed imported cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection. One case is a Chinese woman in her 50s (Case #1) and the other case is a 50-year-old Taiwanese man (Case #2). Both cases arrived in Taiwan on January 21, 2020. Case-patient #1 was hospitalized due to fever on January 23 and Case-patient #2 developed influenza symptoms and was hospitalized on January 23. Two case-patients had history of travel to Wuhan or residence in Wuhan and met the criteria for case reporting of 2019-nCoV infection. Both patients were then placed in isolation to collect samples and test, found positive for 2019-nCoV and are being treated in a negative pressure ward at the hospital.  The number of close contact of Case-patient #1 is 19 and that of Case-patient #2 is 11. All individuals who had close contact with the patients have been in good health condition. Other individuals who had contact with the patients are being traced, and health agencies will maintain active health surveillance.

As of 4 pm on January 24, 35 new cases of 2019-nCoV infection have been reported in Taiwan.  As of writing, a total of 168 cases have been reported, including three confirmed cases (one of which was announced on January 21), 42 individuals removed from the follow-up list, and 23 first tested negative for 2019-nCoV, and test results of the others are pending.

CECC keeps integrating resources across government agencies and reinforcing quarantine measures at international (including cross-strait) airports/ports as well as risk communication with the public and public awareness about the disease, ensuring the preparation of pharmaceutical and medical supplies to prevent the occurrence of fake news concerning shortages and price gouging and reduce public panic, and planning and conducting drills for nosocomial infection control at healthcare facilities to minimize the impact of the outbreak on Taiwan. Such efforts aim to safeguard domestic prevention work and protect health of Taiwanese public. 

CECC recommends the healthy public to take the temperature and wash hands thoroughly with soap, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with hands and avoid going to crowded public places. If symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath develop, please rest at home and stay clear of public places. If going to a doctor or attending important business is necessary, please put on a surgical mask, wash hands thoroughly with soap and appropriately dispose of respiratory secretions

Traveler visiting China recently are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap, wear a surgical mask when coughing, avoid contact with wild animals and patients with acute respiratory tract infections and avoid visiting traditional markets and healthcare facilities throughout the trip. If symptoms such as fever or cough develop upon arriving in Taiwan, please voluntarily notify the quarantine officer at the airport/port. If the aforementioned symptoms develop within 14 days after returning to Taiwan, please call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922) and put on a surgical mask and seek immediate medical attention as instructed. Moreover, please inform the physician of any history of travel, occupation, contact, and cluster (TOCC) to facilitate timely diagnosis and prompt case-reporting. For more information on 2019-nCoV, please visit the Taiwan CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw.