Hantavirus Prevention: Keelung City Announces 10 Inspection Points for Markets, Violators Face Fines

According to the Central News Agency, following a confirmed case of Hantavirus in Keelung, the city has announced 10 priority inspection points for markets and restaurants to prevent the spread of the virus. Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang stated that vendors must strictly comply with these rules to ensure food hygiene and environmental cleanliness. The inspection points include covering food, prohibiting food from being placed on the floor, using lids on trash and food waste bins, prohibiting the dumping of food waste into drains, preventing the accumulation of debris, and maintaining clean work areas. Violators will be strictly prosecuted and fined under the Food Safety and Sanitation Management Ordinance and the Waste Disposal Act. Mayor Hsieh noted that the city has been distributing rodent bait through local administrative channels, with 4,001 portions distributed so far. Residents can apply for bait through district offices or local neighborhood chiefs. Additionally, the city plans to visit Taipei City to improve its professional technical standards for vector control.