TAIPEI: Taiwan will ease its coronavirus border restrictions to allow in people from Hong Kong for humanitarian reasons, the government said on Wednesday , ahead ofTaiwan said earlier this month it would set up a dedicated office to help those thinking of leaving Hong Kong as Beijing tightens its grip on the former British colony, including planned new national security legislation.
Taiwan largely closed its borders in mid-March to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, meaning anyone who wished to come to the island from Hong Kong would have found it very difficult.In a statement, Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Centre said that from Monday, Hong Kong people who wish to travel to Taiwan for"special humanitarian considerations" would be allowed to apply to be let in, though they will have to prove before they come they do not have the coronavirus.
China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has condemned Taipei's government for offering to help people from Hong Kong, which was hit by months of sometimes violent unrest before coronavirus curbs were introduced. China denies meddling in Hong Kong's affairs.Taiwan has been extremely successful at controlling the spread of the virus, thanks to early and effective prevention work, and has never gone into complete lockdown, unlike other countries around the world.
The epidemic command centre said in a separate statement that from Thursday it will also re-allow some passengers to transit via Taipei's main international airport, though they will not be allowed to leave the airport and will be kept separate from other passengers.
Holiday Holiday Latest News, Holiday Holiday Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: The Straits Times - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »