Taiwan is seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases, and critical care physician Dr. Huang Xuan suggests remembering to wear a mask in crowded or indoor spaces.
According to CDC data, from August 2nd to August 8th, there were 24,645 COVID-related outpatient and emergency visits, up 27.6% from last week, with 72 new severe local cases and 14 new local deaths. In response, Dr. Huang posted on his Facebook page, “Dr. Huang Xuan Dr. Ooi Hean”, pointing out that the scariest thing about the pandemic is not that the virus is becoming stronger, but that people are starting to feel indifferent to the virus.
He said that recently, patients in his clinic have asked him, "Doctor, aren't many people getting COVID or the flu again lately? Why is it that on the metro, trains, or in department stores, almost no one is wearing a mask?" Huang believes this is worth reflecting upon.
He explained that at the start of the pandemic, if someone nearby coughed, everyone would immediately adjust their masks. Now, if someone coughs in a crowded train compartment, "those nearby keep scrolling on their phones, chatting, or eating, as if nothing had happened." Additionally, Taiwanese people have developed "pandemic fatigue," where ongoing danger becomes normalized in the brain; the problem is, even if we get used to the virus, it won’t stop spreading.
Dr. Huang further pointed out that in the past, news outlets often broadcasted scenes from hard-hit areas, but recently, the pandemic has left the news cycle. CDC monitoring shows that COVID outpatient and emergency visits are on the rise again in Taiwan, and severe cases remain concentrated among the elderly and those with chronic diseases. The virus has never disappeared and continues to mutate.
He recommends wearing a mask in crowded places or indoor spaces like the metro, trains, high-speed rail, hospitals, clinics, and elevators as a personal risk management strategy. If you’re experiencing symptoms like cough, runny nose, or sore throat, or are planning to visit elders, cancer patients, or people with weakened immune systems, you should also remember to wear a mask—to protect yourself and those around you.