Although Taiwan has more confirmed cases of the A(H1N1) influenza, the Department of Health (DOH) has shown professional and decisive leadership on the H1N1 scenario thus far. Taiwan was among the first nations to rename the virus from Swine Flu to A(H1N1) influenza, since eating properly cooked (over 70 C) pork is safe. 

 

    DOH's immediate and candid admission of the entrance of the flu to Taiwan has also paradoxically helped to calm the public, with reassurance that the government could control the virus and treat the infected. 

 

The government can protect the public through the spread of a pandemic by maintaining the following five principles: 

 

1. Protect public health: Establish clear procedures of containment and treatment for infection cases. 

 

2. Maintain social security and stability: Take a firm grip of the situation and maintain proper communication with the public. 

 

3. Keep the economy running: Prevent panic and maintain stability. The government needs to help businesses affected by the flu while preventing profiteers from hoarding anti-viral medicine and other illegal practices. 

 

4. Cooperate with the global community: Help other nations by providing correct and swift information about the flu, also share its experiences handling SARS and the avian flu. 

 

5. Promote a healthy lifestyle: Use this opportunity to raise general defense against diseases.

 

 

decisive  (adj.)   決定性的；果斷的

The Invasion of Normandy was considered the decisive battle for Allied Forces in western Europe in World War II.

scenario  (n.)   情節；事態

The scenario depicted in the novel was totally unbelievable.

candid (adj.)   坦白的

The doctor was very candid about his patient's diagnosis.

containment  (n.)   遏止；封鎖

The Nazis instituted the containment of Jews in concentration camps during World War II.

to affect (v.)   影響；對…產生作用

The hurricane affected many countries in Asia.

to hoard (v.)   囤積

It is unethical to hoard medical supplies for profit during a pandemic.

swift  (adj.)   迅速的；快捷的

I noticed a swift change of tone in his voice.

thus far   截至目前為止

The artist has appeared in three movies thus far.

among the first...   首先做某事的…之一

She was among the first ones to congratulate me when I got married.

to cooperate with   與…合作

We can only finish this project if we cooperate with one another.