It’s an easy explanation to say that the reason for Taiwanese diligent wearing of masks lies in their obedience to government authorities; however, this is at best simply wrong.

There are many incidents of protests, petitions, and civil disobedience by the people of Taiwan on various issues, on various occasions, and against various government officials — in the face of persecutions. We don’t need to be lectured about obedience to authority.

In the face of the crisis, the people of Taiwan have chosen to respect each other’s freedom and their own lives, and to put strong pressure on the government to manage and control public health.