Thread by @stillgray

Taiwan has barely any cases of COVID-19, with only 169 ill so far--most of which were imported.

Before the first case was even reported, Taiwan CDC implemented inspections for inbound flights from Wuhan. Following the detection of the first case, banned flights to/from China.

Among the measures they took was the rationing of masks and banning their export to ensure that every resident had a supply of masks.

Soldiers were dispatched to factories to help set up mask production lines. By early March, Taiwan was producing 9.2 million masks a day.

Additionally, Taiwan's tobacco and liquor companies increased the production of 75% alcohol for use in soaps, disinfectant, and hand sanitizer.

Textile companies switched priorities to mass production of disposable PPEs like surgical gowns for doctors and patients.

Every Taiwanese national returning to the country was put under strict quarantine for 14 days. A special public quarantine center was also set up for foreigners going to Taiwan for business, diplomatic and other reasons.

Non-essential travel is completely banned.

The result? Despite its close proximity to China and regular inbound flights from Wuhan, Taiwan has among the lowest case counts of the coronavirus in the world.

Singapore has triple the numbers.

Masks work. The Defense Production Act works. Ignore Taiwan at your peril.

Taiwan is doing everything right by saving lives and it didn't even need to shut down its economy to maintain its results.