Taiwan, Covid-19 & Our Experience
The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the world in many ways, forcing us to examine our community frameworks and how they function during global crises. My partner and I were fortunate to experience Taiwan’s excellent pandemic management firsthand when we lived there in December 2020. As Americans living in Taiwan, we could observe two different narratives: the local Taiwanese narrative and the mainstream media’s narrative in the United States. Interestingly, the two narratives were opposite of each other.
Taiwan’s narrative was focused on supporting local fruit and vegetable markets by immediately capping all prices for Covid masks and other health supplies for local businesses. Their efforts were genuinely aimed at supporting their citizens. The local media provided daily updates on cases, causes, and developing protocols, in addition to updated medical resources for anyone experiencing symptoms. Taiwan also encouraged healthy eating and outdoor activities to boost the immune system to fight against viruses.
In contrast, the news in the United States was filled with messages of panic, fear, and confusion. Businesses hiked up prices to take advantage, people started panic buying toilet paper, and the government seemed unable to provide a consistent narrative to guide citizens. Every state had its approach to the Covid-19 pandemic due to the lack of support and guidance from the United States government.
In addition to the pandemic, there were community rioting, police shootings, natural disasters, and the “Donald Trump” sideshow. Watching the news outside the United States was embarrassing. It was interesting to see countries still working hard to emulate the “American lifestyle,” especially in Taiwan, where there was still interest in sending kids to American universities and traveling to the United States.
My partner and I felt blessed to have been in Taiwan during the first year of the pandemic. Taiwan eventually implemented a mandatory vaccine policy for foreigners, but we did not agree with that policy and could no longer stay in Taiwan. However, Taiwan’s overall experience during the pandemic was amazing. The quality of life Taiwan provided during such a time was a unique experience that gave me a different perspective. Even during a global crisis, Taiwan maintained integrity and humanity that the United States struggled to model. I am very thankful for such an experience.
It has been about two years since my partner and I have been to Taiwan, and we still have not found a standard of living that matches what Taiwan provides. We are heading back for another year as vaccine policies have loosened, and we have some great business opportunities to explore. Considering the current global climate, the opportunity to be in a community framework that enables a healthy and affordable quality of life is truly a gift.
