Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Taiwan to quarantine 700 sailors after Palau visit

21st April 2020 - 09:00 GMT | by Shephard News Team

RSS

The Taiwanese Navy is placing 700 of its sailors into quarantine after 24 of them tested positive for coronavirus following a visit to the Pacific island of Palau.

This is the first confirmed case of the virus infecting serving military personnel and the country has successfully kept cases low with just 398 cases and six deaths reported to date.

The three cases shared quarters on one of three Panshih-class fast combat support ships which took part in the goodwill trip in mid-March 2020. The 700 sailors, however, comprise the crews of all three ships.

Palau is one of only 15 nations to maintain formal diplomatic ties with the country after other states have sided with China over a long-running dispute over the island’s sovereignty.