TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Almost half of the 42 local COVID-19 cases suffering from moderate symptoms as reported on Sunday (May 1) had received a booster shot, said the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).

Among the 16,936 new local COVID-19 cases reported that day, 42 were moderate and five were severe. Sunday’s report also included three deaths.

According to the CECC’s statistics, among the 42 moderate cases, 10 were unvaccinated, six had received two shots, six had gotten one shot, and 20 had gotten a third shot, CNA reported. Among the five severe cases, three were unvaccinated, one had received two shots, and one had gotten a booster.

Despite the surge in cases in Taiwan, the country will continue to gradually relax restrictions that were imposed to prevent the spread of the virus, and priority will be given to people who have received two shots or a booster, CECC head Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) said during Sunday’s briefing as he urged people to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Chen added that vaccination can lower the incidence of severe cases and risk of death.

A total of 84.82% of the population has received the first dose, while 80.08% and 59.58% have gotten second and the booster shots, respectively. Among those who have received the third shot, 73.7% are between the ages of 65 and 74 and 59.7% are over 75.

Vaccination for children ages 6-11 starts May 2, according to the report.