To thank the heroes who donated essential supplies selflessly and devoted time and energy to supporting epidemic prevention teams behind the scenes over the past three years, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) held the "COVID-19 Donor Appreciation and Award Ceremony" today (May 2) at Taipei Sheraton Grand Hotel. President Tsai Ing-wen and Premier Chen Chien-jen personally presented awards to outstanding individuals and groups to express their most sincere thanks. At the event, a short film titled “Mask up and March towards Change” was played. The film was dedicated to every responsible member of the public who endured the inconvenience caused by following epidemic prevention measures during the past 1,197 days of the fight against Covid-19 to express gratitude; they were the most powerful backup during the pandemic.

At the event, President Tsai led the participants in expressing the government's sincere condolences for the loss of more than 19,000 Taiwanese citizens who unfortunately died of COVID-19. She also thanked all the citizens who selflessly donated supplies and expended time and effort to maintain the safety of their homeland, demonstrating this country and society’s warmth and resilience. In addition, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Japan, the United States, the Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, and Slovakia for helping provide vaccines in a timely manner and thanked international friends for their help during this period. She also pointed out that Taiwan has also realized the "Taiwan can help" concept, helping countries with epidemic prevention needs, and practicing the spirit of mutual assistance and cooperation.

Premier Chen also stated that the fight against COVID-19 has proven that we have neither forgotten our experience of the SARS epidemic nor let our long-term preparation and efforts go to waste. With the cooperation of all frontline epidemic prevention and medical personnel, and the unity of the people living in the country, we have shown the world that democratic countries can act with professionalism, high efficiency, and the wisdom and voluntary mutual assistance of citizens, generating strong social cohesion. The world's praise for Taiwan's epidemic prevention achievements has once again proved that Taiwan can make a substantial contribution to global health security.

Taiwan CDC reported that, at the event, President Tsai and Premier Chen personally presented 108 awards to recognize the selfless dedication of various individuals and groups during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the aviation/maritime industries, epidemic prevention fleets, epidemic prevention hotels, borough chiefs/directors, the armed services, the police, volunteers, eight major medical professional associations, care service personnel, logistics personnel, the rapid test or mask medical equipment sectors, telecommunications associations, judicial personnel, frontline epidemic prevention personnel in cities and counties, and 30 government agencies.

Taiwan CDC emphasized that after the dissolution of the CECC, epidemic prevention work will not end, and various measures for prevention, control, and preparedness will become normalized to respond to the unpredictable developments in the COVID-19 situation. Additionally, Taiwan CDC reminded the public that the virus has not disappeared and urged people to comply with policies, get vaccinations, maintain hand hygiene, and develop good hygiene habits. It also urged people to wear masks when necessary to protect Taiwan together for a better future.