Pharma
Disease

New waves of the pandemic breach defences of Asian countries that had earlier contained it

New waves of the pandemic breach defences of Asian countries that had earlier contained it
Getty Images

Medical workers with a PPE kit at a Covid-19 testing centre in Wanhua, Taipei, following a surge of domestic cases and deaths in Taipei.

Synopsis

The emergence of more infectious variants and sluggish vaccination resulted in the spike. On the one hand, previously effective protocols such as ring-fencing, contact tracing, and quarantine were unable to prevent rapid transmission. On the other, the low uptake of vaccines worsened the impact.

By Caixin Global
7 mins read,
Lu Wen The days of an ENT specialist in New Taipei City are divided into three parts these days. In the morning, Dr. Lee (pseudonym) carries out Covid-19 tests, usually testing about a 100 people in four hours. In the afternoon, he splits his time between checking on 10 hospitalized symptomatic patients, and examining asymptomatic patients in quarantine. While doctors around the world have been working hard to treat Covid-19 patients since last

To Read the Full Story, Become an ET Prime Member

Access the exclusive Economic Times stories, Editorial and Expert opinion

Subscribe Now

Monsoon Offer

Get flat 20% off

on ETPrime membership

Membership Benefits

Access the exclusive Economic Times

Stories, Editorial & Expert opinion

Complete Access with ET Prime

Experience your Economic Times newspaper, The way you've always liked!

Get to know where the market gurus invest & grow your portfolio.

Stock Report Plus

In-depth stock analysis for 4000+ companies

Stock Analyzer

Instant stock analysis based on Solvency, Profitability, Growth, Valuation, Momentum, Risk & More.

Now Available with ET Prime

Manage your money efficiently with this weekly guide.

Clean experience

with minimal ads

Easy & distraction-free reading with 90% less ads

Sharp Insight-rich,

In-depth stories across 20+ sectors

1500+ Exclusive stories & analysis across sectors to help you stay informed

Get One Year Times Prime Subscription worth ₹1199 for free

Get 1 Year Complimentary Subscription of TOI+ worth Rs.799/-

Enjoy unlimited access to breaking news and thought provoking stories from all around the world.

Get One Year Docubay Subscription worth ₹999 for free

Stream award-winning international documentaries from more than 100 countries.

Offers By Our Partners

Exclusively for ET Prime Members

Members Love Us

The stalwarts of the industry trust ET Prime for insightful analysis & unbiased thought pieces

Gift a story

Your membership includes Story Gifting Credits. Now gift exclusive stories to your friends & peers.

Comment & Engage

with ET Prime community

Communicate & build a connection with great minds of the industry

A trusted team of

Journalists & Analysts

Unbiased perspective & detailed reporting by our team of journalists who have in-depth knowledge and years of experience