What did Taiwan’s early alert to WHO on Dec 31 achieve?

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Taiwan's Early Alert to WHO on December 31 Received No Reply, Prompting Independent Action

Taiwan's alert to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on December 31, highlighting the potential for human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus, did not elicit a direct response or reply from the organisation. Following this lack of engagement, Taiwan proceeded with its own vigorous measures for screening, testing, contact tracing, and enforcing quarantines, demonstrating an independent approach to pandemic preparedness.
WHO's Tweet Downplayed Transmission Risk

Approximately two weeks after Taiwan's initial notification, the WHO issued a tweet on January 14, stating that preliminary investigations by Chinese authorities had found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus. This public statement from the WHO appeared to downplay the global threat, which contrasted with Taiwan's assessment and subsequent actions.
Taiwan Implemented Vigorous Containment Measures

Despite the WHO's cautious stance, Taiwan did not delay in adopting stringent measures. The island activated its Central Epidemic Command Centre (CECC) to coordinate inter-ministerial efforts and enacted 124 safety protocols between January 20 and February 24. These actions included immediate screening of passengers on direct flights from Wuhan for fever and pneumonia symptoms, and monitoring individuals who had travelled from Wuhan since December 20.
Proactive Screening and Testing Preceded First Case

Even before confirming its first COVID-19 case on January 21, Taiwan had initiated comprehensive public health responses. This included assessing suspected cases for 26 viruses, quarantining symptomatic travellers at home, and sending a team of experts to China for a fact-finding mission on January 12. Upon the team's return, Taiwan rolled out a mechanism for testing, identifying infected individuals, tracing their contacts, and isolating them.

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What did Taiwan’s early alert to WHO on Dec 31 achieve?

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