The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that the nationwide Level 3 epidemic alert will be extended on July 13, while some restrictions will be partially relaxed. In response to this announcement, Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-che announced on July 8 at the Tainan City Epidemic Prevention Press Conference that certain scenic areas will be opened conditionally starting from July 13. The venues will comply with CECC guidelines, while also providing safe tourist attractions for citizens to relax their mind and body.
For the on-site tourist service centers, they will be opened with conditions to serve the visitors and conduct epidemic prevention campaigns. To reassure visitors, service personnel rosters will be developed and managed. These service centers will also strictly adhere to epidemic prevention principles, including maintaining social distance, implementing flow management, and providing one-on-one services, which are all measures to minimize contacts and reduce infection risks.
In terms of specific scenic and recreational areas in Taiwan, the city government has announced the opening of the seven following sites: Hu-tou Pei Scenic Area, Shuang-Chun Coastal Recreational Area, Gueidan Hot Spring Pool (individual hot spring houses), Deyuanpi Holland Village, Hulupi Nature Park, as well as Guanziling's Water and Fire Cave and Baoquan Park. To ensure that visitors can still maintain safe social distance in these scenic areas, visitor numbers will be capped depending on the size of each site. Entry-and-exit controls will also be put in place. Those who visit these scenic areas must follow the announced guidelines.
- Hu-tou Pei Scenic Area: The maximum number of visitors is 500 people. Morning transportation is not available. The area is closed at 4pm. The camping area is open for individual and family reservations. Public restrooms are cleaned and equipped with alcohol for disinfection. Parts of the dining area remain closed.
- Shuang-Chun Coastal Recreational Area: The maximum number of visitors is 500 people. When the cap is reached, each visitor has to wait for another to exit to enter. The camping area is opened. The restaurant can accommodate up to 30 people. The shopping and sales area can accommodate 35 people.
- Gueidan Hot Spring Pool: The area will only open individual hot spring houses, accepting family reservations of up to 4 people per unit.
- Deyuanpi Holland Village: Capped at 500 people with the camping area opened to the public. The indoor restaurant can accommodate 20 people, and the shopping and exhibition area can accommodate 12 people.
- Hulupi Nature Park: The outdoor area accommodates 500 people.
- Guanziling's Water and Fire Cave and Baoquan Park: Each accommodates 100 people.
For the hiking trails administered by the city government, the city government has opened up two trails: Meilong and Guanyin Hiking Trails in Nansi District. Usually most hikers do not gather in crowds and follow the hiking directions, so as long as people remember to wear masks, they can visit these trails for exercise and relaxation.
In terms of transportation, in response to the opening of tourist attractions, Taiwan Tour Buses will resume services (Line 88 and Museum Line) with an adjusted schedule. For those who plan to use the bus service, please check the bus schedule online.