The BA.5 Omicron subvariant is a vastly transmissible strain of COVID-19 that’s fueling new waves of infections around the world. And now, BA.5 is spreading in Taiwan. That has some people concerned that Taiwan might reverse its plans to open its borders.
The COVID-19 Omicron BA.5 subvariant is now circulating within Taiwan. Just when it seemed like Taiwan’s borders were on the cusp of reopening, many are wondering if this contagious strain of the disease will shutter those plans.
NTU Public Health Professor Chen Hsiu-hsi thinks there’s not much reason to worry. He says that recently Singapore and Japan have seen less than 20 COVID-19 related deaths a day in their BA.5 waves. Chen says that while the subvariant is more contagious, its symptoms aren’t as severe. He says that Taiwan may see a rise in case numbers, but few people will get seriously ill.
Chen says Taiwan’s subvariant wave will begin around mid-to-late August. But he says that these milder strains should not affect Taiwan’s plans to open back up.
For vaccinations, Chen says that the country does not need to be too strict about administering second booster shots. But he says that people over 65 and those with chronic illnesses should be getting fourth jabs.
Experts agree that a rush of new cases will hit Taiwan soon. But the country’s resolve to start living with COVID shows no signs of faltering.