Changhua health chief defends rapid test campaign
Changhua health chief defends rapid test campaignBy Chang Tsung-chiu and Jake Chung / Staff reporter, with staff writerChanghua County Public Health Bureau Director Yeh Yen-po (葉彥伯) yesterday defended the county’s testing of people under home quarantine who have no symptoms of COVID-19, saying that if he could turn back the clock, he would have made the same decision. Yeh had instructed the county to conduct a pathology investigation for COVID-19 and since April has been conducting rapid diagnostic tests of people under home quarantine who have no symptoms. He was a Taiwanese teen living in the US who arrived on Aug. 5 for a family visit. Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung (陳時中), who heads the center, on Tuesday instructed the health ministry’s Department of Civil Service Ethics to launch an investigation into the bureau to clarify the matter. Chen on Thursday said he understood Yeh’s position that studies support testing asymptomatic people for COVID-19, but the bureau should have informed the CECC first.
Source:Taipei Times
August 21, 2020 15:56 UTC
TSU urges Trump re-election support
TSU urges Trump re-election supportSTRONG SUPPORT: Amid US-China tensions, TSU acting chairwoman Chen Nia-an expects Trump to further side with Taiwan during a potential second presidential termBy Jason Pan / Staff reporterThe Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) yesterday called on Taiwanese and Taiwanese-Americans to support US President Donald Trump’s re-election bid, saying Trump has pursued policies to consolidate political and economic ties with Taiwan, and has proven to be a strong leader, standing up against China’s hegemonic ambitions and military provocations in Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan Solidarity Union acting chairwoman Chou Ni-an, second left, holds a picture of US President Donald Trump at a news conference in Taipei yesterday. Chou said that the TSU had received a phone call from the Presidential Office yesterday, after the office found out about the TSU’s plan to endorse Trump. She said that the call came from a government official of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) who expressed their “concern” about the TSU’s support for Trump’s re-election bid. Stanton added that Biden’s support for Taiwan could be stronger than that of past Democratic administrations.
Source:Taipei Times
August 21, 2020 15:56 UTC
One-month project aims to reduce traffic accidents
One-month project aims to reduce traffic accidentsPEDESTRIANS’ RIGHTS: The program includes fines for vehicles or scooters failing to yield to pedestrians, with the number of incidents rising fast over the yearsBy Cheng Wei-chi and Jake Chung / Staff reporter, with staff writerA collaborative one-month project by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the National Police Agency (NPA) is to commence next month in hopes of reducing traffic accident rates. Vehicles illegally turning right on a red light are to be fined between NT$600 and NT$1,800, while pedestrians failing to observe pedestrian crossings or jaywalking are to be fined NT$300, it said. A police officer holds signs urging drivers to give way to pedestrians on a crosswalk in Nantou County on Thursday. Photo: Hsieh Chieh-yu,Taipei TimesIf a vehicle proceeds over a crossing within 3m, or one lane, of a pedestrian, it would be considered not yielding, NPA Traffic Division chief Wang Feng-hui (王鳳輝) said. The safety of pedestrians must be guaranteed as they comprise the largest group of those using the roads, which is the impetus for the project, Hsieh said.
Source:Taipei Times
August 21, 2020 15:56 UTC
China Steel to raise local steel prices 3.36%
China Steel to raise local steel prices 3.36%A SIX-YEAR HIGH: The steelmaker said that China has returned to business, boosting demand, while Brazil, the prime iron ore producer, remains hard-hit by the virusBy Angelica Oung / Staff reporterChina Steel Corp (中鋼), Taiwan’s largest steelmaker, yesterday said that it would raise steel prices by an average of 3.36 percent for domestic delivery in response to an uptrend in global steel and iron ore prices — the biggest price hikes in about two years. Domestic steel prices in China have increased by US$40 per tonne, domestic and exported steel prices in Vietnam are to increase by US$45 per tonne and the export price for October delivery in Japan is to become US$550 per tonne, China Steel said in a statement. The logo and name of China Steel Corp are pictured at its Kaohsiung headquarters yesterday. In the fourth quarter, prices for steel plates would increase NT$800 per tonne, while electro-galvanized steel coils would increase NT$1,000 per tonne and steel rods would increase NT$750 per tonne, the company said. China Steel said that it would also increase prices for most steel categories, with hot-rolled steel plates increasing NT$500 per tonne, cold-rolled coils NT700 per tonne and electrical steel NT$1,000 per tonne.
Source:Taipei Times
August 21, 2020 15:56 UTC
Misusing freedom to back China
Misusing freedom to back ChinaBy Chen Kuan-fu 陳冠甫Veteran entertainer Lisa Cheng (鄭惠中) was once more thrust into the public eye on Friday last week when she threw red paint on a portrait of former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) at the memorial set up for him at the Taipei Guest House. Last year, Cheng caused a scene when she slapped Minister of Culture Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) in the face. There have been many examples of individuals defacing or beheading statues as a way to express their opinion. One could interpret this kind of action as “symbolic speech,” conforming to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution. Following three transitions of political power, Taiwan’s independence from China has become a majority position and the dangwai group has long become a party of government.
Source:Taipei Times
August 21, 2020 15:56 UTC
Tesla seeks approval for sensor that could detect child left in hot vehicles
Tesla seeks approval for sensor that could detect child left in hot vehiclesReuters, WASHINGTONTesla Inc asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to market a short-range interactive motion-sensing device that could help prevent children from being left behind in hot vehicles and boost theft-prevention systems. A worker parks a Tesla Inc vehicle at the company’s assembly plant in Fremont, California, on Thursday last week. Photo: BloombergMillimeter wave radar technology has advantages over other sensing systems, such as camera-based or in-seat occupant detection systems, Tesla said. The radar-based system “provides depth perception and can ‘see’ through soft materials, such as a blanket covering a child in a child restraint,” it said. Each stockholder of record by the close of business yesterday received four additional shares of common stock for each one that they owned.
Source:Taipei Times
August 21, 2020 05:15 UTC
Tsai commends health minister’s work
Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung, right, gestures during a radio interview in Taipei yesterday. The teen had not shown any virus symptoms since his arrival, but on Saturday last week was tested by local health authorities, it said. Changhua County Public Health Bureau Director Yeh Yen-po is pictured in the county yesterday. Chen said that the Changhua bureau had conducted virus tests for hundreds of people under quarantine over the past six months without informing the CECC. However, Yeh’s comments sparked debate over whether local testing procedures might differ from the CECC’s policies and create loopholes in disease prevention measures.
Source:Taipei Times
August 20, 2020 16:00 UTC
KMT to push for Pratas Islands visit
KMT to push for Pratas Islands visitBy Aaron Tu and Jake Chung / Staff reporter, with staff writerThe Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) caucus yesterday said that it would continue to push for its plan to inspect the Pratas Islands (Dongsha Islands, 東沙群島) after the Ministry of National Defense canceled a planned visit citing insufficient review time. Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Chen Yu-jen, center, holds a document at a news conference in Taipei yesterday. KMT Legislator Lin Yi-hua (林奕華) said there have been six visits, four to the Pratas Islands and two to Itu Aba Island (Taiping Island, 太平島) in as many years, indicating that such visits are commonplace. The KMT is willing to wait for the ministry to complete its “due procedures” and will continue to apply to visit the Pratas Islands, Lin said. While the council has jurisdiction over the islands, the ministry has control over visits, as the Pratas, like the Spratley Islands (Nansha Islands, 南沙群島), are restricted areas.
Source:Taipei Times
August 20, 2020 15:56 UTC
Tropical depression might affect weekend’s weather
Tropical depression might affect weekend’s weatherBy Shelley Shan / Staff reporterA tropical disturbance east of the Philippines is likely to turn into a tropical storm or a typhoon, the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) said yesterday, adding that it could affect the weather across the nation this weekend. If a tropical storm or a typhoon is to form, it would be named “Bavi,” after a mountain in Vietnam, the bureau said. A weather map, with Taiwan in the center, showing a low pressure system to the east of the Philippines. Chances of heavy rainfall are high in the mountainous areas, he said, adding that if the system moves closer to Taiwan, heavy rainfall could occur across the nation. Between Monday and Wednesday, residents in central and southern Taiwan should be prepare for extreme weather, Wu said.
Source:Taipei Times
August 20, 2020 15:56 UTC
COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials approved
COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials approvedANTIBODIES: Adimmune became the first in the nation to gain FDA approval to start phase 1 human tests, which it plans to commence by the end of this monthBy Kao Shih-ching / Staff reporterThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday approved Adimmune Corp’s (國光生技) application to conduct phase I clinical trials of its COVID-19 candidate vaccine, making it the first in the nation to get the green light, the company said in a filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange yesterday. The FDA on Monday granted Adimmune conditional approval for its clinical trial application, asking it to submit additional technical data. After complying with the request, the company received full approval yesterday, it said in a press release. Adimmune plans to enroll 60 to 70 healthy adult participants, who would be divided into three groups that would receive low, medium and high doses of the drug, Pan said. To speed up development of the vaccine, Adimmune intends to combine the phase II and phase III trials into a phase II/III design and run the final phase in November, subject to FDA approval, he said.
Source:Taipei Times
August 20, 2020 15:56 UTC
Premier presents awards over results of criminal cases
Premier presents awards over results of criminal casesBy Sean Lin / Staff reporterPremier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) yesterday presented awards to civil servants who were instrumental in investigations that he said helped maintain social stability and safeguard the economy. Premier Su Tseng-chang, second right, smiles at an awards ceremony in Taipei yesterday after presenting awards to civil servants who helped foil an operation making counterfeit Triple Stimulus Vouchers. The Yunlin District Prosecutors’ Office, the Yunlin County Police Bureau and the Ocean Affairs Council joined forces to investigate a factory in Yunlin County that was making counterfeit Triple Stimulus Vouchers, Su said. Equipment was seized and five suspects were arrested, ending an operation that had a potential cost to the public of NT$370 million (US$12.53 million), he said. The Customs Administration, as well as Taichung and Hsinchu County police department personnel intercepted 277,000 Chinese-made masks labeled as “Made in Taiwan,” Su said.
Source:Taipei Times
August 20, 2020 15:56 UTC
Court acquits man convicted of matricide
Court acquits man convicted of matricide‘IMITATION EFFECT’: The minister of justice said the ruling could lead to more people claiming they were under the influence of drugs at the time of a crimeBy Jason Pan / Staff reporterThe High Court yesterday acquitted a man who was convicted of decapitating his mother in Taoyuan in 2018, reversing an earlier life sentence and sparking criticism. Liang Tsung-ming, left, is escorted by police at the High Court in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Chien Jung-fong, Taipei TimesThe Taiwan High Prosecutors’ Office yesterday said it would appeal the High Court’s ruling. “This High Court decision does not reflect the public’s understanding [of the law] and expectations... I think many people would have trouble accepting this ruling,” Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsang (鄭文燦) said.
Source:Taipei Times
August 20, 2020 15:56 UTC
People questioned in Pharmally probe
People questioned in Pharmally probeBy Jason Pan / Staff reporterThe Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office yesterday summoned 14 people for questioning amid a probe into alleged securities fraud at Pharmally International Holding Co, while an international warrant was issued for Pharmally chairman Tony Huang (黃文烈), who reportedly is in Singapore. Four banks — Entie Commercial Bank, Far Eastern International Bank, Hua Nan Bank and Bank SinoPac — face non-performing loans after lending to Pharmally, investigators said. A group of three businesspeople, headed by Tsai Shui-ping (蔡水濱), who are involved in real estate and construction in central Taiwan invested heavily in Pharmally face combined losses of NT$2.2 billion, investigators said. Prosecutors said that employees of accounting firm Deloitte & Touche Taiwan allegedly colluded for several years with Pharmally executives to forge reports and financial statements. In the first round of raids on Monday, Shih Ching-pin (施景彬) and Chiang Ming-nan (江明南), two accountants at Deloitte & Touche Taiwan, were questioned.
Source:Taipei Times
August 20, 2020 15:56 UTC
Chinese OTT operators’ local agents to be barred
Programs and movies provided by Chinese streaming service iQiyi are displayed on the Taiwan version of the service’s Web site on Tuesday. “The act was necessary because the cable television service operators have asked that the commission apply across-the-board standards to regulate all audiovisual service platforms, which should include OTT services. It was not stipulated just to address the problems caused by iQiyi and other Chinese OTT operators,” he said. Taiwan has denied iQiyi so-called landing right, as China has also banned Taiwanese OTT operators from landing there, he said. Aside from agents, advertisers and marketing professionals recruited by Chinese OTT operators, the “intermediary services” covered by the list also include those offered by content delivery networks, Internet data providers, and payment and customer service operators, the commission said.
Source:Taipei Times
August 19, 2020 15:56 UTC
Virus Outbreak: Foreign students to be allowed back
Virus Outbreak: Foreign students to be allowed backNEW SEMESTER: The new policy would affect 232 current students and 2,300 freshmen, who would be allowed into Taiwan in groups of 50 to 100 per dayBy Lee I-chia / Staff reporterStarting yesterday, schools at the senior-high school level and under can apply for foreign students, including Chinese, to enter Taiwan, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said. They include students from China, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as current students and freshmen, he said. Deputy Minister of Education Lio Mon-chi (劉孟奇) said there are 2,532 eligible students who can apply to enter Taiwan, of whom 232 are current students and 2,300 are freshmen. Chen Shih-chung also commented on media reports that a traveler from Taiwan had tested positive in Shanghai and another had tested positive in Vietnam. As 14 days have passed since the three tested positive, the panel deems them not having had a negative impact on Taiwan’s disease situation, he added.
Source:Taipei Times
August 19, 2020 15:56 UTC