TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Centers for Disease Control said on Tuesday that from May 11 to 17, there were 19,097 outpatient and emergency visits for COVID.
CDC Spokesperson Lo Yi-chun (羅一鈞) said cases rose by 88.2% compared to the previous week, per CNA. However, this remains below the 23,778 visits recorded during the same period last year.
Between May 12 and 19, Taiwan recorded 93 new local cases with severe complications and four related deaths. Lo said the surge in cases is believed to be linked to a shift in dominant variants.
Lo said that six weeks ago, the XEC variant was predominant in Taiwan. Over the past five weeks, however, the NB.1.8.1 subvariant from the XDV family has surged.
Lo explained that this subvariant has stronger immune escape capabilities and higher transmissibility than other variants, with similar trends observed in neighboring countries. Lo said that it has been nearly a year since the last major wave of infections, and the immunity gained by those infected has largely waned, contributing to the current wave.
Lo estimated that this wave will peak in mid-to-late June, with weekly outpatient and emergency visits reaching 55,000 to 65,000, about half of the peak during last summer’s surge, which saw 130,000 visits in a single week. He expects the current wave to persist until the end of July.
Regarding the dominant variant, Lo said XDV is a recombinant variant with genetic components similar to JN.1. While it has increased immune evasion properties, Lo said the JN.1 vaccine remains effective, and existing treatments still work against it.
In preparation, Lo said the CDC and the Ministry of Health and Welfare have ensured sufficient supplies. He said antiviral medications are well-stocked, with most having over a year’s supply.
Lo said molnupiravir, in particular, has more than five months’ worth in reserve. He added that flexible contracts are in place to order more if needed.
The CDC has also made arrangements for rapid test availability. The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration has coordinated with domestic manufacturers to produce 70,000 to 80,000 medical and home-use test kits weekly.
Production can be further scaled depending on demand. Convenience stores, chain pharmacies, and community drugstores are being restocked, and the public is encouraged to purchase tests as needed.
