Thread by @tiffanychih, Last week, I flew back to Taiwan due to family reasons and [...]

Last week, I flew back to Taiwan due to family reasons and began my 14-day self isolation. As I am close to the end of the journey, I want to share my experience and provide a glimpse of how this small island manages to effectively contain COVID and prevent local transmission.

[PRIOR TO FLIGHT]
I was required to submit an online application outlining my quarantine plan and contact information. There are two options for self isolation: (1) home quarantine (if separated bedroom and bathroom are available) (2) quarantine hotels.

[ARRIVAL]
Immediately after landing, a text is sent to my phone to confirm my contact information (important for monitoring - more below). For travelers without a number, they can apply for one on the spot; for those who don’t have a phone, a temporary phone is provided.

Passengers can only proceed to customs once the text is verified. Throughout the entire process, the digital receipt of the online application was checked AT LEAST three times to ensure proper arrangement.

[TRANSPORTATION]
After leaving the airport, I could either (1) get picked up by family members (with appropriate measures taken) (2) use designated taxi service. While waiting in line for taxis, passengers and their belongings get disinfected and no stop is taken along the drive.

[QUARATINE]
To make sure that travelers do not leave isolation, GPS data is tracked and an alarm is triggered + sent to local police department if a person leaves home/loses signal. (According to my friends, police officers will actually knock on the door to confirm...)

Every day, my health status is monitored in three ways: (1) I fill out a health assessment from through LINE (similar to WhatsApp used in NA) in the morning to record my temperature and symptoms (if any). The app is interactive and provides other functions such as a help line.

(2) I receive another text from local health authority to report any symptoms. (3) I receive 2 calls (AM + PM) from local authority to check in + answer any questions or requests I may have. The same routine continues for 14 days until the end of my isolation.

Fun fact #1: I was given 4 designated garbage bags and had to contact Environmental Services to arrange for a garbage pick up (max. 2 times/week). All wastes were handled separately.

Fun fact #2: I was also given a care package (with tons of snacks + thermometer + masks) at the beginning of my isolation! (Content of the package varies depending on the district)

(Not so) fun fact #3: Anyone who violates the regulations above may receive a fine of up to ~45,000 CAD!

Here are some of the key strengths I identified through the process:
1. Clear, uniform, and strict guidelines
2. Integration of health reporting and technology
3. Equitable access to resources (phone, housing, transportation)

Although I recognize that one size doesn’t fit all, I still see value in learning about innovative approaches to the pandemic. Here is an example of how enforcing strict boarder control + isolation allows a country situated in the hotspot of COVID to be a safe home to many. /end

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