On March 29, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced 15 new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Taiwan, with 14 being imported and the other one being indigenous. A total of 298 cases have been confirmed in Taiwan as of writing. With respect to imported cases, Case #284 worked in the Philippines, and was on the same flight back (EVA Air BR-282) as Case #277 when returning to Taiwan on March 20. The patient notified health agencies and sought medical attention for feeling unwell on March 26 during home quarantine period. Infection with COVID-19 was laboratory-confirmed in the case on March 29. The contacts living with the patient are in home isolation. The CECC reminded members of the public who were on the same flight as Case #284 to pay attention to their own health status when undergoing home quarantine and notify health agencies to arrange their medical care if they develop suspected symptoms.

Cases# 289 and 293 are a couple; Case #293 traveled with a tour group to Spain and Portugal from March 7 and March 16, and was in home quarantine after returning to Taiwan. The couple developed symptoms on March 22 and March 23, respectively. Infection with COVID-19 was laboratory-confirmed in the cases on March 29. As Case #289 has no recent history of travel abroad, it is determined that the case was infected locally through close contact with Case #293 without taking proper preventive measures. The members of the couple’s family are awaiting test results.