Taiwan aims for zero serious COVID cases as infections edge up

A staff gives orders while people receive booster shot of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine at a square, in Taipei, Taiwan, January 17, 2022.REUTERS/Ann Wang

Taiwan is aiming for zero serious COVID-19 infections and an "effective" control of the virus, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Wednesday, responding to a gradual increase in the number of domestic cases as it pledges to keep its reopening on track.

Unlike large parts of the rest of the world, Taiwan has kept the pandemic well under control with strict and early control measures, including an efficient contact tracing system and largely closing its borders.