In light of the severe pandemic outbreak in Taiwan and increasing confirmed cases in Nantou County, as a means to protect the health of the public and clean teams, we urge everyone to wear a mask when taking out garbage and keep a 1-meter distance and avoid engaging in conversations. If failing to wear a mask outside, a fine of NTD 3,000 to NTD 15,000 can be issued in accordance with the Communicable Disease Control Act.
　The Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) has also said that before people take their garbage out, they should put on a mask, as well as recycling their garbage according to regulations. By doing this, not only is the time of being outside reduced, but it also eases the burden of the cleaning team, protecting each other’s safety while making an effort to the environment. People are also urged to wash their hands properly with soap when they return home to reduce the risk of virus transmission and prevent the spread of the outbreak. Used masks should be disposed of in the trash can for general waste. If a face mask is disposed of indiscriminately, a fine up to NTD 6,000 can be imposed in accordance with the “Waste Disposal Act.”
　According to the Bureau Director Fang Xin-xiong, everyone is responsible for preventing the spread of the disease. For our front-line healthcare workers, we must stay home as support for them and we should stand together in battling against the outbreak. Everyone must do their utmost to stop the spread of the virus, so we urge people to keep their mask on when taking out garbage and sorting garbage beforehand while avoiding gathering and going out. We must all play our part in this critical time.