Taiwan raised its coronavirus alert level, tightening social distancing measures as it battled a widening outbreak.

The Level 3 alert was imposed on the entire island with entertainment venues, libraries, sports facilities and community centres closed, AFP reported.

People are required to wear masks all the time when going out while indoor gatherings of more than five and outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people are banned.

“(Infections) are successively increasing in other cities and counties besides Taipei and New Taipei,” said health minister Chen Shih-chung while announcing the new measures.

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