Taiwan

As of 7 January 2010

Spread and severity of H1N1 Influenza:

WHO had escalated the Pandemic Alert Level to Phase 6 (the highest scale) in June 2009. H1N1 Influenza A has caused sustained community level outbreaks. Taiwan has over 800 severe cases of H1N1 Influenza A since the first case was diagnosed on May 19, 2009. Among them, 35 had passed away.
Website of Centers for Disease Control, Taiwan http://www.cdc.gov.tw

Government Reaction:

H1N1 Influenza A is now circulating in Taiwan. Since there is no vaccine supply shortage now, Central Epidemic Command Center was decided to vaccinate all the targeted group on the vaccine priority list which is free of charge. The pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccination schedule has now been moved forward.
Given that Taiwan is not a member state of WHO, there is uncertainty as to whether it would receive a share of the global rapid response resources should a pandemic occur. Furthermore, Taiwan boasts a huge amount of cross-border activity and traffic, especially with China and Southeast Asian countries where a pandemic virus is deemed most likely to emerge. Therefore, it is vital for Taiwan to have a pandemic preparedness plan in place to ensure the health of its citizens and to avoid substantial economic loss.
The Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan is a five-year project. The plan consists of two branch plans
1. The branch plan of stockpiles.
2. The branch plan of mobilization.
Once a pandemic is declared, the government will immediately launch the branch plan of mobilization and assign an emergency funding appropriate to the magnitude of the crisis.

Business Community Reaction:

For pandemic of H1N1 that business community reaction was swift. They set up the line for temperature checking out as well as prepare alcohol-based handrub in the front of door at hospital, library, restaurant, school and any other public area. People take note to wash their hand more frequently and avoid touching another person in order to protect themselves.

Community Perception:

The Ministry of Education announced a new rule to partially replace the previous guideline for schools nationwide to follow as part of the government's efforts to stem cluster infections of influenza A(HIN1) among students.
According to the ministry, the new "814" rule requires that individual students who have flu-like symptoms take days off if 80 percent of the students at the school have been vaccinated and have developed immunity against swine flu.

Travel Advisory by Local Authorities:

Centers for Disease Control reminds travelers to be careful while travelling to places where there are reported cases of H1N1 Influenza A. And check the quarantine measures adopted by the destination country. Also be sure to maintain good personal hygiene, bring along protective gears such as mask & antiseptic hand rub and avoid people who are obviously sick.
Centers for Disease Control had installed the body temperature checking points at every entrance into Taiwan. The travellers are to be requested to leave detailed contact information once their body temperature is over 380C. For those travellers who show signs of flu-like symptoms will be sent to hospital for having a check-up to ensure if they have contracted the H1N1 Influenza A.