Taiwan reports surge in COVID-19 severe cases and deaths

Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported a significant rise in COVID-19 activity, with 72 new local severe cases and 14 local deaths recorded between August 4 and August 10. This represents a weekly high for severe cases and deaths.

Emergency room visits for COVID-19 rose by 27.6% during the 31st week of the year, reaching 24,645 visits. The CDC noted that the PQ.16.1.1 variant has been the dominant local strain over the past four weeks. While the peak of the outbreak is expected in mid-August, the CDC has revised its weekly confirmed case estimate downward from 50,000 to 30,000.

Data shows that severe cases are predominantly among the elderly (73.9% are over 65) and those with chronic illnesses (84.0%), with 89.6% of these individuals having not received the current season's vaccine. Vaccination rates for those over 65 remain low, with first-dose coverage at 21.22% and second-dose coverage at 0.97%.

The CDC announced that approximately 37,000 doses from the central stockpile will be distributed to various counties on August 13. These vaccines are valid until September 9, marking the end of the current vaccination period.