TaiwanPlus on ICRT

The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Taiwan has continued to drop and now the government is focused on child death of COVID and hospital capacity. The faith of Daja Mazu Temple is encountering a lot of challenge and creativity, with the help of technology like GPS, is giving a new face to an old tradition.

Taiwan celebrated Dragon Boat Festival today, and Taiwan Plus was there to witness the action on the water and off it. Also in the news today¡Xadvances in talks between Taiwan and its top trade allies, the United States and European Union.

Taiwan and US ties have grown deeper over the years, but a trade deal remains a sticking point in the relationship. A stimulus program for the tourism industry will revive travel to the island.

Health authorities have eased rules for new arrivals at international airports and discharge rules for hospitalized coronavirus patients. The military has attributed the cause of the fatal AT-3 crash to pilot¡¦s inexperience and the plane¡¦s old age.

A military AT-3 trainer jet crashed today in Kaohsiung, killing the 23-year-old pilot, and investigations are ongoing to look for the cause. One in 5 adult patients of COVID-19 experienced lingering effects of the disease for weeks.

The increase in child COVID deaths with complications of encephalitis has caused grave concern. The Legislative Yuan has passed a controversial bill that would acquit former President Chen Shui-bian of misuse of the state affairs funds.

The 2022 Computex Taipei trade show highlights what Metaverse can do and post-pandemic technology. The rising death toll of COVID-19 is a worrying sign as the number of deaths stood at a record high of 126 today.

Nurses are overwhelmed amid the recent COVID-19 outbreak, and they\'re skeptical about the MOHW putting a cap on patient numbers. Yun Hai Pantry, an online food seller, is introducing Taiwanese cuisine and food products to the United States.

The opposition KMT has officially nominated Jiang Wan-an for the Taipei Mayoral election on November 26th. The government has banned the trade in the giant clam as part of the conservation efforts to revive this species.

Health authorities consider offering COVID-19 vaccines for children under the age of 6, but it probably won¡¦t happen until July. The United States will change the types of weapons it¡¦s selling to Taiwan to put more emphasis on ¡§asymmetric war.¡¨

Nurses under a lot of pressure amid the COVID-19 outbreak with many complaining that health authorities have kept ignoring them. Taiwan is excluded from the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, an initiative that President Joe Biden will propose when visiting Japan.

The number of children tested positive for COVID-19 is on the rise, and so far three have died from the disease. A poll shows that 49.2% of the respondents said they didn¡¦t think the government is prepared for the latest COVID outbreak.

The recent COVID-19 outbreak has driven city governments of Taipei, New Taipei and Kaohsiung to suspend in-person learning. Lawmakers from 33 countries are calling for Taiwan¡¦s inclusion in the World Health Assembly in Geneva.

The community of Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church is still reeling from the Sunday shooting that left one dead and 5 injured. Taiwan tested newest military drone that¡¦s expected to play a valuable role in monitoring People¡¦s Liberation Army¡¦s movements.

U.S. police say the suspect of fatal shootings at a Taiwanese church in California is believed to have political motivations. Taiwan¡¦s health authorities have relaxed the rules for home isolation, saying it¡¦s for the sake of maintaining medical capacity.

Taiwan¡¦s largest annual military Hang-kuang exercises kicked off today simulating Chinese attack. Health authorities say people at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, including those aged 65 or beyond, can get a 4th vaccine shot starting today.

First pictures of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way, were released with Academia Sinica¡¦s contributions. Central Bank Governor¡¦s expects the inflationary pressures to drag down Taiwan¡¦s economic growth.

Rules for counting positive coronavirus cases and importing rapid tests have changed as Taiwan’s COVID-19 caseload keeps rising. A Formosan black bear recently released into the wild has been found dead, and police suspect illegal killing of endangered animal.

A U-S guided-missile cruiser has transitioned the Taiwan Strait and 3 Chinese aircraft breached Taiwan¡¦s ADIZ on the same day. The Transportation Safety Board has released its investigative report on the fatal Taroko Express train crash last year and made suggestions.

Taiwan tests advanced missiles with focus on self-made anti-ship and anti-air weapons. While COVID-19 caseloads continues to soar, health authorities are considering easing face mask mandate and border controls starting July.

An earthquake of 6.1 magnitude occurred at 2:23pm, and was centered 89.5 km east of Hualien County Hall, at a depth of 27.5km. The CECC reports 40,263 local COVID cases today, a drop of 9% compared with Saturday, with 12 new deaths.

Taiwan¡¦s COVID caseload has continued to soar. It reported 36,168 local COVID-19 cases and 45 imported ones, as well as 10 deaths The World Health Organization says COVID-19 deaths globally have reached 14.9 million.

President Tsai Ingwen has met with a delegation from the Youth Division of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The Ministry of National Defense¡¦s handbook for the general public to prepare for emergencies like typhoon, earthquake and war questioned by lawmakers.

The number of confirmed COVID cases has continued to reach new highs as over 28,000 people tested positive today. The Ministry of Science and Technology and the Advanced Rocket Research Center canceled the HTTP-3A rocket launch yesterday due to bad weather.

Chinese warships sail near Taiwan, the CECC reports over 23,000 cases, and TaiwanPlus takes a look at the state of press freedom in East Asia.

The CECC says Taiwan could be just weeks away from its eventual peak in COVID-19 cases, Taiwan trains start back up after protests from TRA workers across the country, and the Asia Pride Games are in full swing.

Taiwan\'s economic growth during Q1 remained strong, but COVID-19 and inflation is clouding the economic outlook.<\br> Kaohsiung is pushing for safer roads by cracking down on DUIs and dangerous driving behaviors.

U.S. is showing support for Taiwan\'s bid to join the WHA, the governing body of the World Health Organization. As the number of positive COVID cases surpasses 10,000, the rationing system for rapid COVID-19 test kits kicks off.

Taiwan will start vaccinating children aged 6~11 in May but many parents are concerned about possible side effects. The upcoming Han Kuang military drills will include lessons learned from Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The CECC has relaxed its COVID-19 restrictions by shortening the home isolation time to 3 days from 10 and scaling back the scope of contact tracing. Migrant workers in Taiwan, especially those from Indonesia, are learning the Mandarin Chinese so that they can better adapt to the environment.

Taiwan is looking to change home isolation rules for COVID-19 with the focus on shortening the time from 10 days to ¡§3+4¡¨. There¡¦ll be no TRA services on May 1st over disputes between TRA Workers¡¦ Union and the Transport Ministry.

Health Minister says we need to learn to live with the coronavirus, signaling a shift in the government¡¦s anti-COVID strategy. Taiwan Railways Administration has come up a contingency plan in preparation for the Labor Day strike planned by the Workers¡¦ Union.

Health Minister Chen Shichung says new daily cases could break 10,000 by the end of the month as health authorities scrambled to stock up on rapid COVID tests. Legislators scuffled before the review of a DPP-proposed draft bill, which sought to exonerate former President Chen Shui-bian.

Taiwan reported record-high 2,386 COVID cases with New Taipei remaining as the city with the biggest number of 822. Taiwan Railways Administration¡¦s Workers Union decided to take collective leave on May 1st.

Taiwan Sees Death of 2 Year-Old COVID-19 Patient Travelers Brace for TRA Workers Strike Snake on a Train

Ukraine Braces for Renewed Russian Assault Taiwan Demonstrators Stage Die-in at Liberty Square Renewed Focus on Emergency Readiness in Taiwan

Delegates from US Congress met with President Tsai Ingwen and vowed that U.S. will stand with Taiwan. Taiwan\'s daily COVID-19 caseload spiked over the 1,000 mark for the first time today, with 1,209 local infections reported.

The number of COVID cases rose to a total of 982 today, with a great majority of them being mild or symptomatic. Taiwan is in negotiations to buy coronavirus vaccines for children and health officials will soon grant EUA to Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for kids.

The Central Epidemic Command Center reports 744 local COVID cases and 189 imported ones today, a historic high. An interview with an expert about if Taiwan will be labeled by the U.S. as a currency manipulator.

Visiting Swedish lawmakers promise to defend the existence and sovereignty of Taiwan. New Defense handbook prepares Taiwan for emergencies like military conflicts, earthquakes and power outages.

The Taiwan-Europe relations are warming up but obstacles remain. Greenpeace is urging the government to offer better protections for migrant workers.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is reportedly scheduled to visit Taiwan on Sunday. More COVID rules for the annual Sea Goddess Mazu Pilgrimage will be in place when it kicks off on Friday.

Taiwan reported 359 new cases of COVID-19 today with 281 domestically transmitted and 78 imported ones. The National Defense Ministry is enhancing combat readiness by overhauling fitness tests.

E-scooter brand Gogoro will launch Nasdaq listing on April 5, the 1st Taiwanese company to do so in 16 years. Creators of Taiwan¡¦s most famous puppet shows are turning the puppets into crypto assests.

Today on Taiwan + we have the latest COVID news, Children's Day, the Taroko Express train crash memorial and concerns about the state of coral reefs around Xiaoliuqui.

Taiwan Considers an Extension to National Conscription Government Beefs Up Rent Subsidies Taiwan Continues Monitoring COVID-19 Situation

Taiwan's government aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The CECC reports 239 new cases of COVID-19, including 87 local infections. Taiwan's government announces a plan to offer more financial aid to young people, through rent subsidies.

Amnesty International: Taiwan has more work to do for the rights of indigenous people and migrant workers. The MOHW is to offer compensations to 7 people who suffered severe consequences of COVID vaccination.

Taichung is offering more incentives for the elderly and other groups of people to get vaccinated for coronavirus. Farmers are calling on the government to resolve the disputes over fruit exports to China.

Taiwan is seeing biggest outbreak of COVID-19 since June last year with new mandates required. The National Defense Ministry has conducted live fire military drills in Matsu.

The Legislative Yuan has lowered voting age to 18 from the current 20 by amending the Constitution. Taiwan is targeting illegal Chinese investment with new laws that increase the maximum fine to 15 million NT from the original 150-thousand.

The military is mulling over extending the period of time for military service and over purchase of weaponry such as Javelin missiles. Strong earthquake in Hualien prompted experts to warn of aftershocks A new cluster of COVID-19 infection involving 13 people was found in Kaohsiung.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake rattled the nation with dozens of aftershocks. There's no report of casualties. More people are now calling to extend military service to 1 year from the current 4 months.

Taiwan plans to extend tax exmption on imported feed items to fight food inflation. A Formosan Sika Deer Park has opened in Taidong¡¦s Luye Township to boost tourism.

A Philippine biker was killed by a drunk driver in Taiwan, highlighting the island¡¦s drunk driving problems. The CECC has announced that travelers from South Korea will undergo testing for COVID-19 at Taoyuan International Airport.

The Central Bank has raised the basic interest rate by 0.25 percentage points in an attempt to stem inflation. The Supreme Court sentences killer of a Malaysian college student to death penalty on accounts of rape and murder.

Taiwan holds military exercises on outlying Dong-yin island near Matsu, the northernmost tip of ROC territory. YouTuber Xiao-yu indicted for using Deepfake technology to create explicit materials and spread them online.

Concerns are rising over modernization of fighter jets after one Mirage-2000 crashed into the sea on Monday. Taipei Metro apologized for escalator failure that sent people to fall backward.

The Defense Ministry says preliminary investigations show that mechanical failure is likely the cause of crash of the Mirage-2000. Taiwan fuel prices are rising along with many other household items, causing more worries about inflation. Multiple power outages in recent weeks have raised concerns about the stability of power supply.

Pilot of a Mirage 2000 fighter jet ejected safely during routine training while the aircraft remains missing. Economics Minister says Taiwan¡¦s high-tech company Asus will consider 'evacuation' from Russia. Taipei city¡¦s Performing Arts Center is has kicked off trial operations after years of delay.

President Tsai Ingwen says the government and people are standing with Ukraine and have made 18-million-US-dollar donations to the country. The average salaries in January hit 11-year high but the figures don¡¦t reflect the situation for most workers. Taichung Mayor introduces her city as one of the best cities to live in Taiwan.

Vice President William Lai says Taiwan must be fully prepared for the worst scenario across the Taiwan Strait. Aside from making cash donations, Taiwanese people have also donated hundreds of boxes of materials for Ukrainian refugees. Stiffer drunk driving rules are expected to cut deaths and injuries in relation to DUI.

More than 15,000 reservists started 14-day training that¡¦s touted as the most rigorous in years. Taiwan tops Asian lawmaker gender equality. President Tsai Ingwen meets Belize Prime Minister.

Arson suspect set fire to landlady¡¦s belongings after disputes with her. The account for Ukrainian refugees has taken $10 million US dollars in 5 days. A woman who loves traditional Chinese dress ¡§Qi-pao¡¨ wears it everywhere she goes.

Taichung building fire killed 6 and injured 6 as the recyclable garbage stacked on the ground floor hampered rescue work. Over 8.6 million NT of donations contributed by Taiwan¡¦s public and private sector is meant for war-torn Ukraine. Reservists began the so-called ¡§toughest reservist training,¡¨ which lasts 14 days, today.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for his country to establish formal relations with Taiwan during his four-day visit to the country. Three Chinese naval vessels have been spotted in the waters close to Orchid Island.

Power outages swept the country Thursday, a malfunctioned power plant is blamed. People in Taiwan are doing what they can to raise funds for Ukrainians affected by the Russian invasion.

Taiwan¡¦s representative office in Moscow has conducted two evacuation missions for Taiwanese in Ukraine, but nine citizens remain in the country. Misinformation has been spreading on Russian-language media outlets that China has attacked Taiwan.

10 of the 12 Taiwanese students in Ukraine have decided to return home. Protestors in Taipei have condemned Russia¡¦s invasion of Ukraine with a petition to the Moscow Office.

Talks between Russia and Ukraine have begun after representatives arrived at the border with Belarus. 22 Taiwan nationals have fled to Poland and Slovakia and are free to choose when they want to go next. Parades are held islandwide to commemorate the 228 incident.

Tens of thousands of people are fleeing from Ukraine, and Taiwan nationals are being evacuated as well. Many Ukrainian expatriates were protesting in front of Russia¡¦s representative office in Taipei today.

In reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Tsai Ingwen calls on the military to stay vigilant. The CECC has eased some COVID-19 restrictions and shortened the quarantine time for inbound travelers and close contacts the confirmed cases.

Yilan Magistrate Lin Zi-miao has been released on $800,000 bail, as has her son after prosecutors questioned her on corruption allegations. Premier Su has decided to build the Keelung MRT Line between Nan-gang and Keelung, which will take 10 years to build. Kaohsiung¡¦s green jujubes seek to charm French people.

Speed skater Huang Yu-ting faces punishments from authorities due to her actions during Beijing Winter Olympics. Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will visit Taiwan and meet with President Tsai Ingwen. The shortage of eggs continues as the cold weather adds another dimension to the problem that began before the Lunar New Year.

The cold surge has sent over 600 people to the hospital. People underwent quarantine at hotels or quarantine centers complained about workers inspecting the food sent by their families. Taipei Mayor Ke Wenzhe will run for the 2024 presidential election according to his wife.

The Executive Yuan proposes amendments to National Security Act to protect key technologies against espionage. Taiwan reports 14 local COVID cases and 54 imported ones with no deaths. TSMC announces new investment plans and bonuses.

Thousands of sky lanterns float into the night sky in New Taipei¡¦s Pingxi to celebrate the Lantern Festival. Chinese civilian plane spotted near Matsu¡¦s Dongyin islet and the Defense Ministry called it ¡§provocation.¡¨ Academia Sinica is developing broad spectrum vaccine for COVID-19.

Taipei Mayor has eased many COVID-19 restrictions, showing confidence in various epidemic-prevention measures. MOFA and other government agencies are reviewing Lithuania¡¦s requests to sell the country¡¦s food products to Taiwan. Nuclear power experts inspect the Fukushima nuclear power plant ahead of its release of waste water to the Pacific Ocean.

Taiwan shortens quarantine time for COVID-19 to 10 days and relaxes restrictions on business travelers. The benchmark index for the local market dropped 1.7% due to tensions in Ukraine Soaring prices for roses no problem for romantics.

Taiwan reports 79 COVID cases today with 18 of them being local ones, and new vaccination rules for teachers are in place for the new semester. Families of the TRA Taroko express train crash met with Premier Su Zhen-chang to call for transparency and reforms of TRA. Taiwan¡¦s population has continued to decline as the number of new born babies dropped again last month.

Taiwan recorded 37 domestic infections of COVID-19 on Thursday. Meanwhile Taipei City Mayor Ko Wen-je says the city could relax some restrictions next week.

With schools reopening on Friday after the winter vacation, there¡¦s a shortage of testing kits for COVID-19. Peking opera and Greek myth come together in National Taiwan College of Performing Arts¡¦ take on ¡§Phaedra.¡¨

The DPP government announces the end to Fukushima food ban with some conditions. Taiwan received the 100 million-U.S.-dollar missile systems engineering service program sale from the US. As the egg shortage persists, officials are trying to fix the problem.

Local governments and businesses step up disinfections and epidemic-prevention measures on the first day after the LYN holiday. Vietnam beat Taiwan 2-1 at the A-F-C 2022 Women's Asian Cup.in what was the final game of the playoffs to secure a World Cup qualifying spot. Taiwan¡¦s craze for lottery games during the LYN period of time helps fund social programs.

VP William Lai exchanged pleasantries with US VP Kamala Harris at Honduran President¡¦s inauguration. Restaurants will remain open across Taiwan during the Lunar New Year holiday. A visit to Taipei Dihua Street¡¦s LNY market has been a tradition for many years

14 of Taiwan¡¦s 21 domestic COVID-19 infections today were recorded in Taoyuan, while the remaining eight were linked to the Port of Kaohsiung. Incoming Honduran President Xiomara Castro said she hopes Honduras can maintain ties with Taiwan. Vice President William Lai met her during her inauguration ceremony Thursday.

13 Chinese military aircraft, including advanced J-16D, made incursions into Taiwan¡¦s southwest ADIZ today. Vice President William Lai left for Honduras today to attend President-elect Xiomara Castro¡¦s inauguration. To become members of the Marines¡¦ elite Amphibious Unit, soldiers have to pass a brutal 12-week training program.

39 Chinese military aircraft made incursions into Taiwan¡¦s southwest Air Defense Identification Zone yesterday. The Legislative Yuan has passed new DUI law to impose harsher punishments on drunk drivers. President Tsai faces backlash for paying homage to former President Chiang Ching-kuo.

F-16 fighter jets have resumed service after being grounded for more than a week due to a fatal crash on Jan. 11th. Taiwan imposes stricter restrictions on entering certain entertainment establishments such as bars. The College Entrance Exam starts today and will last 3 days.

Kaohsiung city now has 3 cases of COVID-19, breaking a 5-month streak of zero infection. Taiwan¡¦s athletes are heading to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Plans are underway for Taiwan to open a trade office in Slovenia as Eastern European sentiment warms. Vice President William Lai is heading to Honduras to attend the inauguration of President-elect Xiomara Castro.

Investigators are looking for the cause of the F-16V¡¦s crash now that its black box¡¦s been found. Schools are closed and companies step up prevention measures as COVID infections contine. China doesn¡¦t allow the general public to buy tickets to the Winter Olympic Games.