On February 23, 2020, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) reported that with respect to Case #24 of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) linked to a family cluster in northern Taiwan, a total of 533 contacts had been established, of which 194 had been tested. Of the group tested, two persons tested positive (Cases #25 and #26), and 173 tested negative, with the remainder awaiting results.

Iran has seen a rapid growth in COVID-19 cases in recent days, with six deaths from the virus; cases in Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada have also been linked to Iran. In Italy, as of February 22, authorities had reported 52 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The number of confirmed cases has grown rapidly in Lombardy, where Milan is located, including a cluster of infections at a hospital. Authorities have announced school closures, and suspended public activities and public transportation services in designated areas. Based on the risk of COVID-19 infection faced by travelers to Iran and Italy, the CECC has raised its travel notice level to Level 1:Watch for these countries. Travelers to Iran and Italy are advised to practice usual precautions. Medical personnel are advised to postpone any travel plans for these two countries.