The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stated today (July 14th) that the domestic COVID-19 epidemic continues to escalate.
To protect their own health and the health of others, the CDC urges the public to take self-prevention measures and get vaccinated against COVID-19 this season.
It is recommended to wear masks when entering and exiting medical care facilities and in crowded places where proper social distancing cannot be maintained or ventilation is poor.
If fever or respiratory symptoms occur, it is recommended to stay home and avoid unnecessary outings.
Individuals with severe risk factors should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience suspected symptoms.
A doctor can assess and conduct a rapid test, or they can use a commercially available home rapid test.
A doctor can also assess and prescribe antiviral drugs for those with severe risk factors who test positive for COVID-19, reducing the risk of serious complications or death after infection.
The CDC stated that the domestic COVID-19 epidemic continues to rise.
In the 27th week (July 5th-July 11th), there were 2,811 outpatient and emergency room visits for COVID-19, an increase of 34.4% compared to the previous week.
Last week (July 7th-July 13th), there were 17 new local cases of severe COVID-19 complications, with no new local deaths.
Since October 2025, a total of 136 local cases of severe COVID-19 complications have been reported, with 18 deaths.
The majority of severe cases were among those aged 65 and above (72.1%) and those with a history of chronic diseases (83.8%).
94.9% of these cases were not vaccinated this season.
Globally, the COVID-19 positivity rate has recently increased, showing an upward trend in all regions except the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Neighboring countries/regions such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are also experiencing rising cases.
Currently, the predominant circulating strain globally is NB.1.8.1, followed by JN.1 and XFG.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that as of July 12, 2026, approximately 1.732 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered this season.
The vaccination rates among those aged 65 and above are 20.97% for the first dose and 0.51% for the second dose.
International research has found that receiving the current season's COVID-19 vaccine provides additional protection on top of existing immunity.
Vaccination with the current season's COVID-19 vaccine can reduce the risk of visiting the emergency room or emergency outpatient clinic due to COVID-19 by approximately 48%–50%, and reduce the risk of hospitalization by approximately 53%–55%. This demonstrates that COVID-19 vaccination effectively reduces the severity of the disease and the medical burden caused by COVID-19, and has a significant protective effect in preventing severe illness and hospitalization.
The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) urges that, as the majority of severe local COVID-19 cases in Taiwan are still among the elderly aged 65 and above and those with a history of chronic diseases, and most of them have not yet received the current season's COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC urges high-risk individuals, such as those aged 65 and above, who have not yet been vaccinated or have received their first dose at least 6 months ago, to get vaccinated as soon as possible to enhance their immune protection and reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
Furthermore, with the summer travel season in full swing, the risk of virus transmission is increased.
The nationwide rollout of publicly funded COVID-19 vaccines to those who have been vaccinated for 6 months (180 days) or more will continue until July 31, 2026.
Approximately 456,000 doses of vaccine remain in stock (including 450,000 doses of Moderna single-dose vaccine and 6,000 doses of Novavax vaccine). The public is encouraged to seize this opportunity to get vaccinated as soon as possible to enhance their immune protection.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) emphasizes that there are currently sufficient reserves of antiviral drugs in Taiwan, including 155,000 doses of Remdesivir, 113,000 doses of Belavavir, and 18,000 doses of Xocova.
Local government health bureaus in various counties and cities will continue to monitor the usage at distribution points and manage the supply in a timely manner.
The public can also purchase home rapid testing kits at convenience stores or pharmacies that sell them for self-testing to facilitate subsequent medical diagnosis.
For information regarding vaccination sites, contracted sites for publicly funded oral antiviral drugs, and the latest epidemic prevention policies, please visit the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website (https://www.cdc.gov.tw) or call the toll-free epidemic prevention hotline 1922 (or 0800-001922).
Source:
Link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Bulletin/Detail/AAQZdiS2u2nFoJxcIj-DNA?typeid=9
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