COVID-19 Peak Has Not Yet Arrived: ER Visits Double, 42 Severe Cases and 2 Deaths Reported

COVID-19 has entered a peak transmission period, with 10,060 outpatient and emergency department visits recorded last week—an increase of 117% compared to the previous week and the seventh consecutive week of growth. The outbreak is expected to continue rising, with the peak anticipated around August 16, reaching approximately 51,000 weekly visits. After that, the situation will plateau before showing a clear decline in early September.

The current peak has not yet been reached. Last week saw 42 new severe cases—the highest this season—and two additional deaths.

Dr. Lin Yongqing, Director of the Pandemic Prevention Office, reported that one of the deceased was a man in his 70s from southern Taiwan with chronic conditions including diabetes. He had received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in October 2025. In mid-July, he developed a fever and tested positive for the virus. Antiviral medication was prescribed, but he lost consciousness two days later and subsequently stopped breathing and his heart stopped. He was pronounced dead the same day. The cause of death was confirmed as bilateral pneumonia and respiratory failure due to COVID-19.

The second case involved a 7-month-old female infant from southern Taiwan—the youngest severe case this season. Although she had surpassed the 6-month threshold for vaccination, she had not yet received the shot. In late July, she developed a high fever and experienced full-body seizures, upward eye rolling, and cyanosis (blue lips) en route to the hospital. Emergency testing confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, and she was admitted to the intensive care unit. She has since defervesced and regained consciousness but remains under observation and treatment in the ICU.

Dr. Lin emphasized that the COVID-19 vaccine is available for all individuals aged 6 months and above. For those aged 65 and older and immunocompromised individuals, a second dose is recommended six months after the first. The deceased elderly patient had received one dose in October 2025 and was eligible for a second dose. 'Unfortunately, he never got the chance,' Dr. Lin said. She also urged individuals with risk factors for severe disease to seek medical care immediately upon symptom onset so that doctors can promptly evaluate and prescribe antiviral treatment, reducing the risk of severe illness or death.