COVID-19 Cases Rise, Outpatient and Emergency Visits Up 43.8% Weekly

(CNA, reporter Shen Peiyao, Taipei, June 30) The COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate. The latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that domestic COVID-19 outpatient and emergency visits increased by 43.8% last week compared to the previous week. Among the cumulative 105 domestic cases of severe COVID-19 complications, over 90% had not been vaccinated with the current season's vaccine.

The COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease) pandemic shows no signs of abating. The Department of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced the latest monitoring statistics today, reporting 8 new domestic cases of severe COVID-19 complications last week, with no new domestic deaths.

Guo Hong-wei, Director of the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Center, stated in a briefing that since October 2025, there have been a cumulative 105 domestic cases of severe COVID-19 complications, including 16 deaths. Severe cases were predominantly among the elderly aged 65 and above (71.4%) and individuals with chronic medical conditions (81.9%). A significant 94.3% had not received the current season's COVID-19 vaccine.

Regarding the 8 new domestic cases of severe COVID-19 complications last week, CDC epidemiologist Hsu Yu-lung said one case involved a man in his 60s from southern Taiwan with a history of chronic illnesses, including hypertension. He had received 3 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine previously but had not been vaccinated this season.

Hsu Yu-lung explained that this individual developed symptoms such as fever and pain three days before hospitalization and self-medicated with over-the-counter drugs. When his condition did not improve the next day and shortness of breath worsened, he sought medical attention at a clinic. After returning home with medication, he continued to experience difficulty breathing and went to the emergency room. A rapid flu test was negative, but a rapid PCR test for COVID-19 was positive. X-rays revealed pneumonia, and he is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.

CDC Director Lo Yi-chun reminded the public that the COVID-19 virus is constantly mutating, and vaccines are continuously updated. Using the case as an example, he emphasized that even if someone has been vaccinated in the past, the most recent vaccination being 2 years ago, the COVID-19 vaccine has had its strains updated for two consecutive years. People should not assume they are completely protected just because they were vaccinated previously; if they have not received the updated vaccine, they are still at risk.

The CDC indicated that the global COVID-19 positivity rate has recently shown a slight increase, with significant rises observed in the Western Pacific and Eastern Mediterranean regions. Neighboring countries such as China, Hong Kong, and Japan are also experiencing an increase in cases. The predominant circulating variant globally is NB.1.8.1, followed by BA.3.2 and JN.1. In neighboring countries like China and Hong Kong, NB.1.8.1 accounts for a high proportion of cases. As of June 28th this year, cumulative vaccinations for the current season of COVID-19 vaccines reached approximately 1.728 million doses. The vaccination rates for individuals aged 65 and above were 20.97% for the first dose and 0.48% for the second dose. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang) 1150630

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