By: Chow Jing Yi
For many, 2020 was the beginning of a new decade. However, the unexpected Covid-19 outbreak has created a global health crisis and put the world into chaos. The contagious disease has affected everyone all around the world, becoming one of the greatest challenges faced in human history. Today, the Covid-19 virus has become a common enemy to the global community. In Malaysia, the government has taken various actions including the implementation of many preventive measures to protect the people and break the chain of infection.
Some Malaysian overseas students have had no choice but to stay put wherever they are in their respective countries as international flights have been suspended during the lockdown period. HCUC News is fortunate to have stayed in touch with former Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) students, who are currently furthering their studies in Taiwan. Our alumni have shared with us the coping mechanisms they employed during the crisis,preventive measures the Taiwanese government have taken to protect the people and operating procedures for Taiwanese schools in light of the pandemic.
Excellent governmental measures implemented in Taiwan
Chew Ru Xuan, a holder of a Diploma in Mass Communication from HCUC, is currently studying in Shih Hsin University, Taiwan. She is currently staying in Taipei. Ru Xuan explained that there have been no new cases of Covid-19 for eleven consecutive days and zero local cases as of May 18. The authorities believe that the situation in Taiwan is under control now.
Chew added that unlike in Malaysia, where the Movement Control Order had been imposed, restrictive measures on movement of citizens have not been implemented in Taiwan, and people can travel as long as they wear face masks and practice social distancing. Anyone who is found disobeying the rule will be given a stern warning. However, in severe cases, they have been fined up to a maximum of 15000 TWD (approximately RM2,176)
Chew expressed her amazement at the high degree of cooperation exhibited by the Taiwanese population who practise strong civic consciousness.
“When I stopped by a mart, I saw all of them wearing face masks. This encouraged me to wear a mask too, even though I had visited the mart just to grab a drink,” said Chew who was initially surprised with the discipline shown by the public.
Limited impact of Covid-19 on education
As the Covid-19 pandemic is under control now, Chew said, students are presently allowed to return to schools and abide by several guidelines implemented. These comprise measures such as the regular checking of students’ body temperature and compulsory wearing of face masks before entering the campus to ensure the safety and health of every single individual.
According to Chew, if the class involves 100 students, they will be divided into two groups where each group will take turns to attend school for class or take online classes. She added that even if they do go to school, the school administration ensures that the preventive measures are strictly followed to minimize the impact of the pandemic on the education sector.
Since she is majoring in journalism, her assignment requires her to frequently leave the campus to gather information, and video footage, in addition to conducting of interviews. Fortunately, as movement is not restricted in Taiwan, the progress of her studies has not been extensively disrupted.
Equal treatment for all students
Lee Yu Jie, a former HCUC student who is now studying at Nan Hua University, Dalin, Taiwan, said that the Taiwanese government treats all students equally and makes sure they are in good health.
“To make sure that all foreigners understand the Covid-19 guidelines, the Taiwanese health ministry has translated them into different languages, a step which has made things very convenient for all foreigners,” said Lee.
She mentioned that the government has also set up an official website to update the public with the latest information. The Taiwanese government also provides platforms for professors or representatives of a particular field or specialty to explain and relay information to the public.
The face mask supplies have also appeared to be sufficient in Taiwan, as an individual is allowed to buy a total of nine pieces of face masks within a period of 14 days. Everyone gets to buy face masks without experiencing worries about the supplies being depleted..
Conclusion
Covid-19 is our invisible enemy that has created devastating social, economic and political crises. This phenomenon will leave deep scars in our society. No matter what, we need to fight the disease together to protect humanity, and bring back the sunny days that we once enjoyed!
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