In Taiwan, a pilot sets off an outbreak, fined and fired
After more than 250 days without internal infection, Taiwan has recorded the first case of local transmission of Covid-19. The [...]
EVA Air
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After more than 250 days without domestic contagion, Taiwan recorded the first case of local transmission of Covid-19. The chain of virus transmission was quickly reconstructed, leading to the identification of a New Zealand pilot As responsible for the incident.
The positive 60-year-old came into contact with a 30-year-old from Taiwan. The incident was reported last December among the "important cases."
The prevention plan related to flight operators includes a period of three-day quarantine after each completed route. The system currently in place, however, carries no requirement for anti-Covid testing unless there are clear symptoms.
The pilot, who was asymptomatic, continued to fly without any restrictions. He finally showed some symptoms (he started coughing on a flight from the U.S. to Taiwan), which led to a test that showed he was positive on Dec. 20, 2020. Within two days, authorities identified the first case of a Taiwanese citizen positive for coronavirus in months. The woman, 30, with whom the pilot had long had contact.
Severe consequences of the driver's act, who will have to pay a hefty fine, amounting to 10,600, for willfully withholding his activities from the officials in charge. Although no small matter, the penalty represents the least of the problems for the man. Eva Air has in fact decided to dismiss their employee, which violated protocol in a variety of ways. In addition to the failure to quarantine, there is also the failure to use the mandatory protective mask in the cockpit.
As much as the local case has garnered international outcry, the infected would be three in total. In fact, the pilot allegedly infected two colleagues as well. These are a Japanese and a Taiwanese pilot.
Covid in Taiwan, official statements
Taiwan has proposed, to date, an excellent model in managing the spread of Covid-19. In fact, only 777 cases of infections and seven deaths Since the beginning of the pandemic.
Action on the matter was immediate, but authorities and airline decided to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding the identity of the pilot involved. In statement issued by Eva Air reads, "The behavior of a single employee detracted from everyone's efforts in preventing the pandemic, resulting in serious damage to the company's reputation and image."
A case that Taiwanese authorities decided not to take lightly. Beyond the fine against the individual, the case clearly showed what risks were being taken with regard to flight operators. Stricter protocols could therefore be implemented in this area.
A single rider could, in fact, have infected up to 170 people. That is the number of contacts had by the woman who tested positive. Citizens quickly tracked down and quarantined or, in the absence of evidence, monitored for symptoms. The whole handling of the matter clearly explains why Taiwan is able to boast excellent numbers in its management of virus containment. The search also included all stores and premises visited by the couple, which were promptly disinfected, with testing required for anyone who frequented them on those days.
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