Taiwan logged another day of triple-digit COVID-19 infections Saturday, one week after Taipei and New Taipei City raised their epidemic warning level.
Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung, who heads the Central Epidemic Command Center, told a press conference that there were 321 new local cases, the second-highest daily total after 333 cases were reported Monday.
Chen explained that an additional 400 others were retroactively added to the tally for the past week due to slow reporting and testing.
New Taipei City recorded the highest number of local transmissions, followed by Taipei City. The capital city's Wanhua District had the highest number of new cases on a district basis on Saturday, with 174.
As of Saturday, Taiwan's total number of confirmed cases was 3,862, including 17 deaths.
Saturday marked one week since the capital and New Taipei City raised their COVID-19 alert to Level 3 on May 15.
Under the heightened state of alert, in place until May 28, people are asked to wear a mask at all times when outdoors and avoid unnecessary outings, activities or gatherings. Gatherings of more than five people indoors or 10 people outdoors are also prohibited.
All schools and public places on the island have been closed, effective from May 19 to 28.
Urging the public to stay home, especially during the weekend, Chen said next week will be crucial as it would become clear if the prevention measures are working and whether the current alert level can be adjusted.
