Life in Taiwan under Covid-19 since its outbreak in early 2020 had plunged the island into darkness. It caused panic-buying and changes in the way we lived. Against all odds, thanks to our government’s response, we survived, as poet Leonard Cohen wrote in a song, “As through a crack in everything, where the light gets in.”
We
survived the pandemic in the glorious light from a crack between darkness. When
Covid-19 hit, it seriously changed peoples’ lives in other countries but few
local cases were found in Taiwan thanks to an all-out effort to restrict travel
from overseas. As the pandemic worsened, Taiwan was an alternate universe of
health and prevention as people in other countries suffered and died. We felt
proud of being Taiwanese with no credit to the World Health Organization for
excluding our direct contact. Instead, our government did a great job on its
own setting up a task force and carrying out policies of mandatory mask
distribution, body temperature checks, and social distancing. We did as we were
asked and, as a result, saw the light as others in the western world were
plunged into darkness. We feel that Taiwan’s containment was one of the world’s
best.
The
panic-buying that existed at the onset of the pandemic was frantic as people in
Taiwan anxiously purchased toilet paper, face masks, hand sanitizer, and other
items they feared would become in short supply as time went on. Schools were
closed as a precaution and the winter break was extended to contain the virus.
As more and more cases were reported, everyone felt worried and insecure, but
as fewer and fewer cases started cropping up, we started calming down and
accepted the new normal way of life. We couldn’t believe how close we had come
to death.
Now
we are living in Taiwan’s light co-existing with the darkness of other nations.
The shadow of fear that covered us has made me realize not to take life for
granted; everything we do must be cherished. How wonderful it is that we can breathe,
shop freely, and get together with loved ones; simple pleasures that Americans
and the western world can no longer enjoy. How great it is to be in Taiwan! We
are survivors and must reflect our brightness till it shines on every corner of
the world.
But the darkest spot for Taiwan remains under its lighthouse. While the government pumps up its separatist designs, cases of Covid-19 are not a thing of the past and Taiwan should not be so proud. Lunar New Year celebrations have been cancelled and people are under new measures to avoid social situations; the usage of masks is increasing where it had gotten slack a few months ago. We can't let our guard down.
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