The Taiwan government tightened measures against the novel coronavirus Wednesday as the island, which had contained the spread of the virus, confirmed 16 new domestically transmitted cases of COVID-19 on the day.

It was the highest number of such cases reported in a single day in Taiwan since the outbreak began in January last year, according to a report of the Central News Agency.

The Taiwan government introduced restrictions Wednesday including a ban of eating and drinking at public transportation facilities and limits on the number of event participants. The restrictions will continue until June 8.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said the situation is severe, urging people to guard against the virus and cooperate with the government measures.

But Tsai emphasized the medical systems have been improved enough to cope with the infections and the vaccination efforts are under way, asking citizens not to panic.