Taiwan Asks US For Help In Obtaining Covid Jabs

Taiwan's health minister said on Friday that he had asked the United States for help in obtaining Covid-19 vaccines, as another 312 confirmed cases were reported as part of the island's worst outbreak since the beginning of the pandemic.

Taiwan's battle against the virus has been complicated by a lack of vaccines, with only about 700,000 arriving to date, including 410,000 this week, all AstraZeneca shots.

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said he had spoken to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in a video conference call about medical cooperation.

"More importantly, we brought up that Taiwan's pandemic is increasing, and at this point we have an urgent need for vaccines, and hope he can support Taiwan when it comes to the vaccines the United States are going to release," Chen said.

In response, Chen said Becerra said Taiwan's needs will be considered and he will take the matter to the president.

Biden said this week he will send at least 20 million more Covid-19 vaccine doses abroad by the end of June, marking the first time the United States is sharing vaccines authorised for domestic use. (Additional reporting by Reuters)