Mass vaccination plan unveiled in Taiwan as Covid cases edge up
Taiwan has revealed details of a mass vaccination plan that aims to eventually cover 1.7 million people a week.
It follows a rise in Covid-19 infections on Wednesday after six days of falls.
Taiwan is battling a spike in community infections, placing curbs on gatherings and ordering entertainment venues closed, while urging people to stay at home as much as possible.
Announcing 549 new infections, including 177 added to recent days tallies in reflection of delays in reporting positive tests, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said the trend was stable, although it was not falling.
Cases rose rapidly in the past 24 hours in the capital Taipei and a neighbouring city where infections are heavily concentrated, he added.
It looks like its not falling, and is sometimes still going up, Chen said. As much as possible dont go out and wear a mask.
Taiwan has vaccinated just about 3% of its 23.5 million people, but has millions of shots on order and has begun preparing for a mass vaccination programme.