Starting today, patients who suffer from infectious tuberculosis (TB) will be prohibited from taking international flights of more than eight hours.
Officials from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) said that people infected with multiple drug-resistant TB would be barred from taking any flight with violators facing fines ranging between NT$10,000 (US$304) and NT$150,000.
Although the CDC has not imposed any restrictions for domestic flights on those suffering from infectious TB, officials urged them to wear surgical masks on board.
Meanwhile, the CDC is expected to provide lists of TB patients falling into either category in September to facilitate immigration agencies' screening work.
As of today, international flight tickets must also be issued with the company's transaction policies printed in Chinese. The translation must clearly indicate several details, including the airline's refund policy and its regulations governing reservation changes.
The regulations regarding air travel are part of a raft of legislation due to come into effect today.
These include an increase in the minimum monthly salary to NT$17,280. The hourly minimum wage will be adjusted to NT$95 per hour.
Another concerns visitors to public schools and government organizations, who will no longer be offered disposable paper cups. This is part of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to curb the nation's paper cup consumption. However, folded paper cups that resemble an open envelope, also known as eco-friendly paper cups, will still be available for public use. Violators may be fined NT$30,000 to NT$150,000.
Items such as computer keyboards, light tubes and light bulbs are now officially listed as recyclable, meaning that they cannot be thrown away with other trash.
The EPA's new exhaust emission standard also takes effect today. Anyone considering buying a new motorcycle is advised to note the new criteria.
Owners turning in their used motorcycles will now receive reduced reimbursement. The reimbursement will drop to between NT$300 and NT$3,000 depending on the bike's age.
Starting today, the Directorate General of Highways (DGH) will begin offering inspection and license and registration renewal services on weekday evenings.
The service will initially be available in Kaohsiung, Taipei, Taoyuan, Changhua and Tainan.
Motorists can still have their vehicles inspected in the evening at private auto shops nationwide.
Applicants for the freeway electric toll collection service or those applying to suspend the service, change registration information or rent the onboard units need to write certificates of entrustment if planning to send consigners.
In addition to the certificates of entrustment, consigners also need to bring the applicants' vehicle registration and personal identification documents.
Notices for unpaid toll payments will now be issued twice a month.
Those with savings accounts with the Taiwan Post Co needn't pay the NT$5 transaction fee when transferring money from one post office savings account to another. This doesn't apply to people transferring money from their accounts to make payments for utility fees or credit card bills.
Additional reporting by CNA
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