The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced today (May 3) that in response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration on May 17, 2026, that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), Minister Shih Chung-liang of the Ministry of Health and Welfare visited Taoyuan International Airport this morning to inspect airport quarantine measures and cross-airport joint prevention and control operations, and encouraged airport quarantine staff to remain at their posts and protect the health of the people.
Minister Shih first received a briefing on border response and preparedness, and then visited the fever screening station and other locations to understand the various frontline border quarantine operations.
The National Immigration Agency's Border Affairs Brigade also explained the entry inspection and joint prevention and control notification mechanisms.
Minister Shih expressed his gratitude to the Border First Qualifiers (CIQS), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the National Immigration Agency of the Ministry of the Interior, the Civil Aeronautics Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the Tourism Administration and other relevant ministries, as well as Taoyuan International Airport Corporation, various international airports and airlines for their joint efforts in epidemic prevention and control, and for implementing joint prevention and control cooperation in border quarantine and epidemic prevention.
He also affirmed that all units have established a complete border joint prevention and control system, grasped information on high-risk passengers, improved the timeliness of epidemic prevention and control response, and safeguarded the safety of the domestic community.
Minister Shih further pointed out that considering the still unclear aspects of the Ebola outbreak and virus characteristics in the two African countries, and the fact that the initial symptoms of the disease are often nonspecific and easily overlooked, in order to prevent the risk of imported cases, strengthen border monitoring, detect cases early, and activate Taiwan's epidemic prevention and medical response measures, and after consulting the recommendations of the expert meeting on June 2, it was announced that from June 3 to June 30, free testing will be provided at four international airports—Taipei Songshan Airport, Taoyuan International Airport, Taichung Airport, and Kaohsiung Airport—for asymptomatic Taiwanese citizens and inbound travelers with a history of DRC or travel to Uganda.
In addition to issuing a self-health management notice, testing will be provided upon arrival.
Testing is voluntary, and quarantine officers wearing appropriate protective equipment will collect 5ml of whole blood in a testing room equipped with HEPA equipment.
The implementation will be reviewed on a rolling basis according to the international epidemic situation.
As for those entering from the aforementioned epidemic areas who "show symptoms," each port has established a mechanism for transferring them to medical facilities.
They will be examined by contracted hospitals, and border authorities and airport companies will assist with expedited customs clearance.
Minister Shih reiterated that the travel advisory level for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda is currently Level 3, "Warning," urging the public to avoid travel to areas with Ebola outbreaks.
He also requested that inbound travelers cooperate with all government quarantine measures and, upon arrival in Taiwan or during the 21-day self-health management period after returning home, report their health status daily through the "Public Proactive E-Reporting System."
If any suspected Ebola symptoms (fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bleeding, etc.) are experienced, please proactively report to quarantine personnel or call the epidemic prevention hotline 1922 for assistance from health authorities.
Minister Shih reminded the public that those who violate the above regulations may be fined NT$10,000 to NT$150,000 under Article 69, Paragraph 1, Item 1 of the Communicable Disease Control Act. He urged the public to cooperate to jointly safeguard domestic epidemic prevention and control.
Source:
Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/ZdWGh5V6x5K7ebkKCVzg0w?typeid=9
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