TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) on Thursday apologized over the city’s handling of the African swine fever outbreak.

Amid criticism of the city’s response, Lu, who had earlier claimed the crisis had been “promptly defused,” bowed twice to express remorse, per Liberty Times. She conceded that the “process of epidemic prevention was poorly handled” and said, “As mayor, I must take full responsibility and I should apologize.”

Lu said she has announced personnel changes involving top officials. The investigation into the incident, which had already begun, is now being expedited.

The mayor pledged that the results of the investigation will be made public as soon as they are available. She added, “When a mother doesn’t do well, she must reflect and make improvements,” emphasizing that this case will serve as a serious lesson.

On the 15th day since the outbreak, as epidemic control measures were being lifted, Lu dismissed Agriculture Bureau Director Chang Ching-chang (張敬昌), Environmental Protection Bureau Director Chen Hung-yi (陳宏益), and Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office Director Lin Ju-liang (林儒良). After holding the impromptu press conference and bowing in apology with other department heads, she left without taking questions.