Taipei: Taiwan recorded 14 COVID-19 deaths and 72 severe cases during the last seven days, marking the highest weekly toll during the current wave, local media reported on Tuesday, citing health authorities. According to Anadolu Agency, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Epidemic Intelligence Center Deputy Director Lee Chia-lin stated that since October last year, Taiwan has recorded 337 domestic COVID-19 cases involving severe complications, including 42 deaths.

COVID-19-related outpatient and emergency-room visits have also seen an increase, reaching 24,645 between August 2 and 8, which is up 27.6% from the previous week. Despite this rise, the CDC has adjusted its projected peak of weekly medical visits to 27,000, down from an earlier estimate of 51,000, with the current outbreak expected to peak between mid- and late August.

Older populations remain particularly vulnerable to severe cases. Of the severe cases recorded since October, 73.9% involved individuals aged 65 or older. Furthermore, 84% had underlying chronic conditions, and nearly 90% had not received the latest seasonal COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC has noted that approximately 140,000 vaccine doses remain in storage, with 37,000 doses due to expire on September 9. These doses are scheduled for distribution to local governments.

On a global scale, COVID-19 positivity rates are increasing in parts of Europe and Africa, with infections rising in countries such as China, Thailand, South Korea, the United States, and Japan.