Taiwan lifts major control measures as COVID-19 epidemic eases

TAIPEI -- Taiwan authorities removed several major epidemic control measures from Sunday, such as crowd control policies at mass events, as the COVID-19 epidemic notably eased across the island.

The island has reported no locally transmitted COVID-19 cases for eight weeks, with the total number of COVID-19 patients remaining at 443, the island's epidemic monitoring agency said in a press release.

Among them, seven died and 430 recovered while only six patients are still receiving treatment in isolation wards, the agency said.

From Sunday, the authorities lifted crowd control policies at mass social activities including sports games and entertainment activities as well as at restaurants. Weddings attended by more than 250 guests were allowed. The island's railway and high-speed railway companies also resumed the supply of foods and drinks on the train.

Starting Sunday, people will not need to wear face masks at cinemas, on train and subway if they can maintain a proper social distance.

The Palace Museum in Taipei also removed the crowd control measure from Saturday and visitors didn't have to wear face masks inside the museum.