Taipei tightens crowd control measures at markets and supermarkets

Taipei City has tightened entry restrictions at traditional markets and supermarkets to reduce crowding. Starting Monday, people whose ID number ends in an odd number will be asked to shop Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Those with an ID that ends in an even number can shop Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. For now, compliance is voluntary on weekdays, with ID checks to be performed only on the weekend. On Monday, Taipei markets launched new entry regulations based on the last digit of the shopper’s ID. But few on the street knew of the new policy. Just a few weeks ago, traditional markets were packed with people, raising concerns over widespread contagion. On Sunday, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je announced a measure adopted one week earlier in Keelung and Kaohsiung. Ko Wen-je Taipei mayor On Saturday, people whose ID number ends in an even number will be allowed in. On Sunday, it’s people with an odd number. From Monday to Friday, compliance will be left up to people. But on Saturday and Sunday, when there are indeed more people, there will be ID checks. We have to use manpower where it’s needed. The even/odd entry restriction applies to traditional markets, wholesale markets and supermarkets. From Monday to Friday, shoppers will be on the honor system, and ID checks will be performed on weekends and national holidays. Saturdays are reserved for even numbers and Sundays for odd. At the entrance of this U.S. wholesale market, employees chant reminders to observe public health guidelines. Outside, it’s a long line of shoppers. Shopper We decided to do our shopping early, ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival. Buy enough to last. We didn’t want to come out during the festival, with lots of people. So we came early. There are usually fewer people on Mondays, but today there were lots. Shopper We need stuff for our house. It’s unavoidable. Under these circumstances, if you can buy it, you buy it. If you can’t, then you go home. Voice of Chan Chun-hung Retailer We’re asking the government for help. After all, we are not law enforcement or police officers. So we can’t truly enforce the ID check policy. But we intend to comply with the spirit of the rule. Retailers say they don’t have the authority to enforce the law, and no right to demand access to shoppers’ national ID. They say that for now, they can only give warnings, and ask that shoppers do their part for Taiwan’s COVID fight.