The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (hereafter CDC) said today (the 21st) that the domestic COVID‑19 situation continues to rise, and with the summer vacation, opportunities for travel or participation in large events increase. The public is urged not to forget epidemic prevention while resting, to implement personal protection measures such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. When entering medical care facilities, or in crowded places where proper distance cannot be maintained or ventilation is poor, or when having close contact with the elderly or immunocompromised, it is recommended to wear a mask voluntarily; if feeling unwell, stay at home to reduce the chance of infection.
The CDC explained that, in response to the possible epidemic, sufficient antiviral drugs and COVID‑19 vaccines have been stockpiled for preparedness. There are 113,000 courses of the publicly funded oral antiviral drug bevirimat remaining, with more than 1,300 distribution sites nationwide. In addition, 18,000 courses of the second‑line drug Xocova (shuganxiao) are available at 156 sites, and 155,000 doses of injectable remdesivir are in stock, stored in over 170 hospitals nationwide. The publicly funded COVID‑19 vaccine program has been expanded to provide vaccination for all residents aged 6 months (180 days) and older until July 31, 2026. Currently, the vaccines offered are Moderna and Novavax. According to studies from the United States, Canada and other countries, receiving this season’s COVID‑19 vaccine can effectively prevent COVID‑19 disease, with a protection effect against severe hospitalization of up to 50%. Both vaccine brands are safe and effective and can enhance protection against the dominant viral strains. The CDC urges those who have not yet received this season’s COVID‑19 vaccine to take the opportunity to get vaccinated promptly.
According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic COVID‑19 epidemic continues to rise and has reached the epidemic threshold, entering the epidemic period. In week 28 (July 12‑18), emergency and outpatient visits totaled 4,766, a 66.5% increase compared with the previous 7 days (July 5‑11). In the past week (July 14‑20), 25 new domestic severe cases and 5 domestic deaths were reported. Since October 2025, a cumulative 161 domestic severe COVID‑19 cases have been recorded, including 23 deaths. Severe cases were mainly among persons aged 65 and older (74.5%) and those with chronic disease histories (83.9%); 92.5% had not received this season’s COVID‑19 vaccine. Clinical manifestations were primarily respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, fatigue, headache and muscle aches. A very small number of cases experienced temporary loss or dullness of smell or taste. In the past four weeks, the dominant variant among domestic cases has been NB.1.8.1. The global positivity rate has risen slightly; apart from an upward trend in the Western Pacific region, other regions show declining or stable trends. Neighboring countries/regions China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea are experiencing rising epidemics. Currently, the globally prevalent variant is NB.1.8.1 (58.76%), followed by XFG (19.07%) and JN.1 (15.46%).
The CDC noted that as of July 20 this year, about 1.735 million doses of this season’s COVID‑19 vaccine have been administered, with vaccination rates among those aged 65 and older of 20.98% for the first dose and 0.53% for the second dose. Persons aged 12 and older may choose either brand and receive vaccination as soon as possible, while children aged 6 months to 11 years may receive only the Moderna vaccine according to approved indications. Because persons aged 65 and older remain a high‑risk group for severe disease or death, the CDC reminds the three high‑risk groups—those aged 65 and older, immunocompromised individuals, and others—who have received one dose at least six months (180 days) ago to receive a second dose to strengthen self‑protection. It also reminds those with risk factors for severe disease who meet the criteria for publicly funded antiviral drugs that, if symptoms appear, they should seek medical care promptly, use a physician‑ordered or self‑administered rapid antigen test, and, after physician evaluation, receive antiviral treatment to reduce the risk of severe complications or death.
The CDC emphasized that it will continue to monitor epidemic changes. Local health bureaus in each county and city will inventory medical resources and appropriately allocate antiviral dispensing points and COVID‑19 vaccination sites. The public can consult vaccine administration facilities, contract sites for publicly funded oral antivirals, and the latest prevention policies on the CDC’s global website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw) , or call the toll‑free pandemic prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800‑001922) for inquiries.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Sensory Management Office
