As I write
this on April 28, Taiwan has announced its third day in a row of no reported
new cases, with only 6 deaths. We are cautiously optimistic about our current
situation, while eagerly sharing our strategies with other countries. While it seems like the rest of the world is
on lockdown, life in Taiwan seems to be continuing almost as normal. So, here’s
what it’s like to be living in Taiwan as a college student right now.
Zoom University
Not for us!
At my school, National Taiwan University, classes with other 50 students have
shifted to distance learning. Our classes take place usually on our school’s
own online teaching system NTUCool or through Google. The Ministry of Education
has recommended against using Zoom due to security issues, so (unfortunately)
no fun backgrounds during online classes for us. Personally, all of my classes
are small, with only roughly 15-25 students in each, so we are able to proceed
like normal and meet up weekly.
Social Distancing?
Of course, we
are still implementing social distancing measures in classrooms. Officially, we
are recommended to stay 1 meter away from others in outdoor settings, and 1.5
meters away indoors. Essentially, in class we sit in a checkerboard pattern to
discourage close contact. Large scale events like club and department showcases
and the university open house have all been cancelled. In places like
convenience stores, you’ll see lines drawn on the floor to keep people from
standing too close to each other too.
Sorry Aunties, No More
Milk
NTU is often
referred to as a public park, where many families will take their kids to picnic
on our big lawns and stroll down Palm Tree Boulevard, but for now, the school
has implemented a closed-campus policy. We have to flash our student ID”s to enter
campus and scan them to enter buildings. At the end of the day, it’s not such a
bad thing for the students. There are less giggling children running around
outside during class hours, and, as an added bonus, NTU students are actually
able to purchase milk on campus more easily. Yes, milk. For some reason, NTU
milk is very popular among the older generation and many aunties flock to the
NTU Agricultural shop in the afternoon, lining up for a long time just to buy
milk.
Masks On
In order to
enter most buildings, both on and off campus, and public transportation, you
must wear a face mask. On one hand, you’re less likely to contract the virus
but most importantly, if you unknowingly carry it, you’re less likely to spread
it! Mask shortages aren’t an issue here, as everyone can claim a ration of 9
face masks every two weeks with their National Health Insurance card or
passport. Many people use facemask covers on top of the face masks to make each
face mask last slightly longer. I like to think I have finessed the art of the
facemask cover as I have three different colors that I can coordinate to my
outfits (health, but make it fashion).
Not a Great Time to be
Hot
You’ll also
find your temperature being taken multiple times a day. While it’s not the most
accurate way of screening for the virus, it’s still a precaution that makes
everyone actively aware of their health. If you do find that your temperature
is too high, you’ll likely be turned around and recommended to a healthcare
specialist. At NTU, you’ll get a sticker once you’ve taken your temperature as
proof of your ~health~ for each day, but really we just stick them on our
wallets and try to collect them all.
The Great Toilet Paper
Rush
Just no.
Whether it’s toilet paper or cleaning supplies, you can probably walk into any
store and find them in ample supply. No one is panic-buying, or hoarding,
because no one is, well, panicking. The government has done a great job of
making everyone feel safe and reassured, so we don’t feel like we need to rush
for supplies. You might find that certain items like instant noodles or canned
goods are higher in demand on the shelves, but you probably won’t find them
completely cleared.
Let’s Go to the
Beach-Beach
Most public
spaces, museums, markets, and tourist destinations are all still open! Since we’re
not getting any international tourists, there are definitely fewer visitors and
the industries are still taking a hit, but the locals are still flocking to the
mountains, the ocean, and the shopping centers on the weekends. Most people
have the sense to stay away from places too densely packed and wear face masks
around others, so it’s generally still quite safe to go out.
An Overall Awareness
The
government has been very transparent throughout this entire pandemic, with
daily reports of new cases and clear tracking of where the infections have come
from. Websites and Line accounts send out texts and update graphics to reflect
changes in statistics. Yes, Taiwan is using big data with location tracking,
but that seems to be a privacy right that most are willing to sacrifice for the
sake of their health. If you’ve been to an area with a reported infection and
are therefore at risk, you’ll receive a text telling you to self-isolate and
monitor your health for two weeks. They have given the people a sense of
control and freedom in a time where it seems like the virus is uncontrollable
and unpredictable. So, for now, life goes on and we are still taking it one day
at a time.