Taiwan cancels, regulates mass gatherings after new local COVID-19 case

TAIPEI -- Taiwan's authorities have canceled some mass gatherings and imposed stricter epidemic control measures since the island reported a locally-infected COVID-19 case on Tuesday after over eight months of zero reports.

The island's tourism department decided on Wednesday to cancel an annual New Year celebration on the northeastern tip of the island, noting that it is considering whether to cancel other mass gatherings at tourist sites.

For those not canceled, the authorities have imposed tighter epidemic control measures. All participants are required to wear face masks and present their IDs when attending indoor events, while eating at the scene is banned.

According to the local epidemic monitoring agency, six people tested positive for COVID-19 in Taiwan on Wednesday, three of whom arrived from the Philippines and three from Indonesia.

As of Wednesday, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Taiwan has risen to 776 with seven deaths.