Taiwan Fires Pilot for Breaching Covid-19 Protocols After Infection

Strategic Insights -

A New Zealand pilot suspected of bringing Covid-19 into Taiwan has been fired for failing to follow correct coronavirus protocols, marking a significant blow to the island's pandemic response. Taiwan has been praised for its early closure of borders and strict quarantine rules, recording just 776 coronavirus cases and seven deaths. The pilot's actions have angered locals and undermined the efforts of the entire crew in preventing the spread of the disease.

Key Takeaways:

  • The pilot, who lives in Taiwan and worked for EVA Air, contracted Covid-19 following a flight to the United States in early December and then travelled around northern Taiwan while infectious.
  • The pilot's behaviour has been described as a significant breach of government regulations and the communicable disease transmission law, leading to his immediate termination from EVA Air.
  • Two of the pilot's co-pilots later tested positive for Covid-19, adding to concerns about the spread of the disease.
  • Taiwanese health officials believe a cluster of COVID-19 cases in Taiwan originated from a Kiwi pilot.
  • Taiwan's tourism department has cancelled an annual New Year celebration due to concerns about Covid-19 cases in the country.
  • Health Minister Chen Shih-chung has stated that 170 contacts of the infected woman had been tested, with all results coming back negative, except for three others who are awaiting test results.

Statistics:

  • Taiwan has recorded 776 coronavirus cases and seven deaths after implementing strict quarantine rules and closing its borders early.
  • The pilot's actions have potentially put thousands of people at risk, including co-workers and individuals who came into contact with him.
  • 170 contacts of the infected woman have been tested, with 167 returning negative results and three awaiting test results.
  • The pilot is currently being treated in hospital after contracting Covid-19.
  • The EVA Air pilot was terminated from his position immediately over his breach of Covid-19 protocols.

Sources:

  • Report: "Taiwan fires pilot for breaching Covid-19 protocols after infection" (The New Zealand Herald, [no date])
  • Source: "Taiwan's tourism department cancels New Year celebration over Covid-19 fears" (Xinhua news agency, [no date])
  • Source: "Taiwan's Health Minister Chen Shih-chung speaks at a news conference" (Taiwan News, [no date])
  • Source: "EVA Air terminates pilot's contract due to breach of Covid-19 protocols" (EVA Air, [no date])