Taiwan extends level-3 COVID-19 alert to July 26

TAIPEI - Taiwan will extend its level-3 COVID-19 alert to July 26, but some regulations will ease to allow more social activities from next week, the island's disease monitoring agency said Thursday.

Given the risks of community spread, the current level-3 alert imposed until July 12 will last for another two weeks, the agency said.

However, starting on July 13, some of the restrictions on daily and social activities will ease. Restaurants will be allowed to provide dine-in services contingent on the seating arrangements adhering to social distancing rules and plastic shields between tables.

Customers must wear masks at all times, except when eating and drinking.

Also, from July 13, some scenic spots and facilities such as galleries, museums, cinemas and gyms may reopen once social distancing regulations are in place. People must also wear masks at all times.

However, entertainment venues such as nightclubs, bars and ballrooms will remain closed.

Taiwan reported 21 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, including 18 local infections, as well as three deaths from the disease.

The total number of confirmed cases on the island has risen to 15,149, including 13,903 locally transmitted ones. A total of 718 deaths have been reported, the agency said.