The Model of Shutting Down a Pandemic: Taiwan

We need reference points, models, in this time of hyper-connectedness and rapid spread of not just information and misinformation, but viruses.

Taiwan was supposed to have the 2nd highest number of #COVID19 cases.  It sits right next to China.  But in mid February when the World Health Organization was reporting over 75,000 cases (likely much higher given lack of testing), Taiwan was reporting a mere 22 cases with good testing and solid numbers.  Local transmissions were only 5, primarily between family members.

It is not rocket science.  It is taking it seriously and "getting after it" immediately.  They did have some advantage with a national health system, and some other factors.  They started developing testing in early January.  On January 11 China released the full genomic sequence of the virus and by January 12 they had a new 4-hour test kit, improved from the 24-hour previous test.  And they ramped up capacity.  But they didn't really need to do so much testing because they actually managed the processes of screening and monitoring really well – like a pandemic.

You can find the scientific publication on the CDC's website here.