As part of our Civil Society Engagement, the WP4 Taiwan team conducted three focus groups to understand the experiences of social groups that had been disproportionately affected by the pandemic governance in Taiwan: frontline health professionals, pilots, and people who underwent quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. These focus groups, along with desk research, enable the team to gain a more complete understanding of the issues.

Although Taiwan quickly closed its borders in March 2020, the demand for international cargo flights continued to grow. Under Taiwan’s strict border control measures, pilots played a pivotal role in sustaining the Island’s economy and ensuring the import of essential goods. Nevertheless, they faced immense social pressure, deteriorating working conditions, and prolonged isolation.

Read the full report from the focus group interview below.