The Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as the CDC) said today (the 11th) that the recent COVID-19 situation continues to heat up, urging the public to strengthen personal preventive measures, practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, and to protect their own and others' health. If fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat or other respiratory symptoms occur, try to rest at home and avoid unnecessary outings; remember to wear a mask when going out. In addition, if the public enters medical care facilities or crowded places where proper distancing or ventilation is not possible, or has close contact with the elderly or immunocompromised individuals, they are also advised to wear a mask voluntarily. If dangerous signs such as difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, cyanosis, bloody sputum, chest pain, altered consciousness, or low blood pressure appear, seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for medication to reduce the risk of severe complications.
According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic COVID-19 situation is rising. In week 31 (Aug 2–8), there were a total of 24,645 COVID-19 outpatient and emergency visits, an increase of 27.6% compared with the previous week (July 26–Aug 1). In the previous week (Aug 4–10), 72 new local severe cases and 14 local death cases were reported. Since October of last year (114), a total of 337 local severe COVID-19 cases have been recorded, including 42 deaths. Severe cases were mainly among persons aged 65 and over (73.9%) and those with chronic disease histories (84.0%), and 89.6% had not received this season's COVID-19 vaccine; in the past four weeks, the dominant local variant was PQ.16.1.1.
The CDC explained that the global positivity rate is on the rise, with Europe and Africa also showing upward trends, while the Western Pacific region remains at a plateau. COVID-19 cases are increasing in China, Thailand, South Korea, and the United States; Japan is experiencing relatively high and fluctuating case numbers, while Hong Kong's situation is declining. Recently, the predominant global circulating variants are NB.1.8.1, XFG, and JN.1.
The CDC noted that as of today (the 115th year) August 9, the cumulative COVID-19 vaccinations this season reached approximately 1.796 million doses, with vaccination rates among those aged 65 and over at 21.22% for the first dose and 0.97% for the second dose. The domestic COVID-19 vaccine stock currently totals about 140,000 doses. On August 13, the CDC will allocate the entire central stock of about 37,000 doses to each county and city for public vaccination. This batch of vaccines will be thawed and distributed, with an expiration date of September 9 this year. Therefore, the seasonal COVID-19 vaccine will be available for administration until that date, and the public with vaccination needs are reminded to take the opportunity to get vaccinated.
The CDC emphasized that the current stock of publicly funded COVID-19 antiviral medications is sufficient, reminding high‑risk groups who may develop complications after infection to seek medical care promptly if symptoms appear, so that physicians can diagnose early and prescribe antiviral drugs. For information on COVID-19 vaccination sites, contracted public oral antiviral medication facilities, and the latest prevention policies, please visit the CDC's global website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw) “COVID‑19 Prevention Section”, or call the toll‑free prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800-001922) for inquiries. Additional information on home COVID‑19 rapid test kits can be found at the FDA’s “Home COVID‑19 Test Kit Supply Information Section” (https://reurl.cc/XxWbbM), or you can inquire at nearby pharmacies, convenience stores, and other retail outlets.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled by: Sensory Management Office
