Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as CDC) announced today (28) that the domestic COVID-19 situation continues to rise, has entered an epidemic period, and coincides with the summer vacation travel peak, increasing the risk of disease transmission. The public is urged to practice frequent hand washing, wear masks, get vaccinated and other self‑protection measures. When entering medical care facilities or crowded places where proper distancing or ventilation cannot be maintained, and when having close contact with the elderly or immunocompromised individuals, it is recommended to wear a mask voluntarily. If fever or respiratory symptoms occur, it is advised to rest at home as much as possible and avoid unnecessary outings. People with risk factors for severe disease should seek medical attention promptly if they develop suspected symptoms, so that physicians can diagnose early and prescribe antiviral medication, reducing the risk of complications or death after infection.
According to CDC monitoring data, the domestic COVID-19 situation is rising. In week 29 (7/19‑7/25), there were 10,605 COVID‑19 outpatient and emergency visits, an increase of 117.4% compared with the previous week (7/12‑7/18). In the previous week (7/21‑7/27), 42 new domestic severe cases and 2 domestic deaths were reported. Since October 2025, a total of 203 domestic cases with COVID‑19 complications have been recorded, including 25 deaths. Severe cases were mainly among people aged 65 and over (73.4%) and those with chronic diseases (83.7%), and 90.6% were unvaccinated for this season’s COVID‑19 vaccine. In the past four weeks, the dominant domestic variant was NB.1.8.1. Clinical manifestations were primarily upper respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, fatigue, headache and muscle aches. The global positivity rate has recently risen; apart from Southeast Asia and Africa, other regions are also on an upward trend. Neighboring countries/regions including China, Hong Kong, Japan and the United States are experiencing rising outbreaks. 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 today (July 26, 2026), about 1.742 million doses of this season’s COVID‑19 vaccine have been administered, with vaccination rates for those aged 65 and over at 21.01% for the first dose and 0.56% for the second dose. Data show that domestic severe cases remain concentrated among those aged 65 and over and individuals with chronic conditions, and over 90% have not received this season’s COVID‑19 vaccine. Considering the warming domestic COVID‑19 situation and the recent rise in global positivity rates, the free COVID‑19 vaccination program has been extended until September 28 of this year. Domestic vaccine stockpiles are sufficient, with 437,000 doses remaining (approximately 435,000 doses of Moderna vaccine and 2,000 doses of Novavax vaccine). The Novavax COVID‑19 vaccine expires on July 31 of this year, and those who have not yet received this season’s vaccine are encouraged to get vaccinated. In addition, high‑risk groups such as people aged 65 and over, indigenous people aged 55 and over, and immunocompromised individuals who have received one dose at least six months (180 days) ago are urged to receive the second dose promptly to boost protection and effectively reduce the risk of severe disease or death.
The CDC stated that in response to the recent rise in COVID‑19 cases, it has fully reviewed and consolidated domestic medical supply capacity. The publicly funded oral antiviral Paxlovid still has 168,000 courses, Xocova has 17,000 courses, and injectable remdesivir has a stock of 153,000 doses. For information on COVID‑19 vaccination sites, contracted institutions for publicly funded oral antivirals, and the latest prevention policies, please visit the CDC’s global website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw) “COVID‑19 Prevention Zone”, or call the toll‑free prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800‑001922) for inquiries. In addition, about 630,000 home‑use rapid test kits are available to meet the public’s testing needs. For more information, please refer to the FDA’s “Home COVID‑19 Test Kit Supply Information Zone” (https://reurl.cc/XxWbbM), or inquire at nearby pharmacies, convenience stores and other retail channels.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled by: Infection Control Office
