Taiwan’s Experiences Can Serve the Common Good

When the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) first appeared in China in late 2019, Taiwan was predicted to be the next in line to bear the brunt of the deadly outbreak, given its geographic proximity to and close people-to-people exchanges with China. Months later, Taiwan proves to be one of the least affected countries with 441 infections, of which 350 were imported, and seven deaths as of May 26. It has seen zero local infection for 44 consecutive days.

Taiwan has since been hailed as a democratic model of excellence in fighting the disease. This “Taiwan Model” takes shape from the hard lessons learned during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003, which raised public awareness of self-protection in the face of an epidemic.

At that time, Taiwan was excluded from participation in the World Health Organization (WHO). Its access to WHO information and associated channels was very limited. The government had to fight the disease alone for months.

Committed to becoming self-reliant, Taiwan has since strengthened its disease prevention mechanism and response capacity. Its comprehensive national healthcare system can now easily mobilize enough manpower, hospital beds, ventilators and critical PPEs in case of public health emergency.

An improved legal framework also allows the formation of the Central Epidemic Command Center. This whole-of-government task force began operation as early as January 20, 2020, coordinating interagency resources and manpower to contain COVID-19 through unified, decisive efforts including border control, transparency and technology-assisted quarantine.

The people of Taiwan were quick to respond by wearing masks in public spaces and reducing social activities such as dining and hospital visits. The government not only mustered face mask manufacturers to ramp up production, but also implemented distribution mechanisms to meet public demand.

The efforts have paid off, but the government recognizes that Taiwan would not be safe if the rest of the world continues struggling. It has since been donating much needed supplies, including medical face masks and thermometers, to more than 80 countries worldwide.

Taiwan has also conducted more than 30 videoconferences to share the successful “Taiwan Model” with governments, think tanks and hospitals from 35 countries including the United States, Japan, the European Union, the Philippines, Turkey and Russia.

Despite Taiwan’s readiness to join the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and even with international support pouring in for its inclusion, the virtual 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA) still proceeded without Taiwan on May 18 and 19, 2020.

The tremendous international support extended to Taiwan’s WHO bid this year fully demonstrates that its aspirations have been widely endorsed by the international community. The Government of Taiwan has reaffirmed that it will continue to work with diplomatic allies and like-minded countries to gain Observer status at the resumed WHA session later this year.

Taiwan has much to contribute to global health, and in this trying time, the world could use Taiwan’s goodwill and experiences.

Have you, a family member, or friend been involved in a hit and run accident? It’s so frustrating and scary, how will you ever get reimbursed for damages or injuries? It’s not a hopeless situation, and it pays to be prepared if it happens.

Hit-and-runs are on the rise in Colorado and the U.S. Between 2009 and 2016, AAA reported that hit-and-run deaths increased by 60%.

In Colorado, a hit and run accident is when a person is involved in an accident, then leaves the scene without identifying him/herself, reporting the accident, exchanging insurance information, or seeking to render aid to anyone who might need assistance.

There are specific things you must do, called a Driver’s Duty, in an accident. After an accident, you are required to:

At all times, remain calm and ensure safety. The party at fault may persuade you not to call the police. They may promise payment on their own. While this may seem convenient, it is recommended to contact police to file an accident report. Having the accident detailed on paper makes determining fault easier for insurance claims and helps with compensation.

Hit and run laws also cover incidents that happen in parking lots. If you damage an unoccupied car in a parking lot, it is your duty to attempt to locate the operator or at least leave a note with your name, address, and vehicle information. If you don’t make an effort to do this, you are guilty of a hit and run accident.

There are a few simple things you have to do at the scene of the accident: 1. Call the police. This creates a legal record of the incident and is the beginning of the police report. 2. Collect evidence. Detail as much information as possible about the circumstances and vehicles involved. Write down details about the vehicles and drivers. Create description of the vehicles and try to capture license plate information if possible. Be safe at all times. 3. See Aim High. Whether you feel fine or not, you should always seek medical care. Call Aim High after the accident and get seen right away. We will detail critical information about your injuries and recommend treatment. Without documentation, there is no way to prove whether your injuries were sustained during your accident, and no way to get the compensation you deserve. 4. File an insurance claim. If you are able, begin this process at the scene of the accident. 5. Collect information if possible. After the accident, gather other information such as: witness testimony, traffic camera footage, pictures, etc...

Colorado law addresses each hit and run situation specifically and the duty of a driver when property is damaged or persons are injured.

Basically, if you have been involved in an accident, stay at the scene and call the authorities to document the incident, even if it seems minor. Otherwise, you could face penalties. Likewise, if someone has hit your car and left the scene of an accident without at least leaving contact information, you have a hit and run accident on your hands, and should first contact the police, your insurance company, and seek medical care.

If there is damage to your vehicle and you have suffered injuries resulting in pain, suffering, missed work, medical bills, and disruption of your daily life, you are entitled to compensation from the offending party.

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Aim High has FREE CAR KITS available! The car kits give you all the tools you need to document information and remember what to do when an accident occurs. Stop by one of our clinics and pick yours up today!

This is for informational purposes only and not meant to be advice or replacement for a licensed attorney or health care practitioner. For academic purposes only. Before taking any action seek the proper specialist.