Q&A/Taiwan's '3+4' quarantine policy for arriving travelers

06/15/2022 11:09 AM

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Taipei, June 15 (CNA) Starting Wednesday, Taiwan will reduce the mandatory quarantine for arriving travelers to three days, followed by a four-day self-monitoring period.

CNA has compiled the following Q&A to explain how the "3+4" policy works and what is and isn't allowed under each of the respective protocols:

What are the procedures for arriving travelers before they enter quarantine?

Although the quarantine period is being reduced, travelers from abroad will be still be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within two days prior to their flight at the airport before they start their journey.

Upon arriving in Taiwan, they will have to take a saliva-based COVID-19 test and will be given two free rapid antigen tests before heading to their quarantine location.

In addition to designated taxis, travelers will now also have the option of being picked up by family members or friends, or by other vehicles arranged for them, if the drivers follow disease prevention requirements.

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A passenger arriving at the Songshan airport in Taipei seeks help for traveling to his quarantine location by designated taxis on Wednesday. CNA photo June 15, 2022

Where can I quarantine?

People can choose to quarantine at a designated hotel, at home or at the house of a friend or relative, but should remain at the same location for both the three-day quarantine and the four-day self monitoring period.

People who choose home quarantine should follow the one person per residence rule, the CECC has said, but if people traveled together, they can quarantine together.

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Can I spend my quarantine and self-monitoring periods at different locations (for example, three days at a quarantine hotel followed by four days at home)?

Yes, but you must apply for permission from the local government of the city/county where you will spend the self-monitoring period, and should follow the one person per residence rule.

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If I plan to spend my quarantine and self-monitoring periods in different locations, which address should I list in the "Quarantine System for Entry"?

Enter your quarantine location.

What are the rules for the 4-day self-monitoring period?

During the self-monitoring period, people should only go out when necessary and after testing negative using a rapid antigen test the same day or the previous day.

When outdoors, they should wear a mask at all times, practice social distancing and avoid visiting crowded places, and should not to a hospital or clinic unless they have a medical emergency.

Can I go to work during the self-monitoring period?

Yes.

However, migrant workers, including fisherman, as well as students, are not allowed to go to work or school, because of the higher risk of cluster infections, according to the CECC.

Can I take public transportation during the self-monitoring period?

Yes, you are allowed to take nearly all forms of public transportation, including buses, the MRT and trains.

The one exception, however, is a prohibition on taking domestic flights to Taiwan's outlying islands during this period, due to their limited medical resources, according to the CECC.

(By Chen Chieh-ling and Matthew Mazzetta)

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