TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Everyone taking trains and inter-city buses in Taiwan should wear masks beginning Wednesday (April 1), while temperature checks are being implemented at train stations, airports, and ports, among other areas.

Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) on Tuesday (March 31) told reporters that all travelers on Taiwan High-Speed Rail trains (THSR), Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) trains, and buses should wear face masks. Lin emphasized that both mass transit employees and travelers must follow strict epidemic protocols during the coming Qingming holiday to keep the disease in check.

Lin said that infrared sensors and temperature guns will be used to check peoples' temperatures at 12 THSR stations, 239 TRA stations, 1,298 post offices, airports, ports, freeway service areas, and bus transfer stations, reported CNA. Lin emphasized that passengers taking mass transit should don masks before entering the station.

The minister added that passengers who are found to have a forehead temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius or an ear temperature of 38 degrees will be barred from boarding public transport. Local city governments will be implementing mask requirements on Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and city buses in the coming days.



TRA staff monitor passenger body temperatures. (CNA photo)