Picture used for illustrative purpose. AP

Gulf Today Report 

The government of Taiwan announced the creation of its first travel bubble with the tiny Pacific nation of Palau during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Taiwan has been able to contain the pandemic but its borders have remained close. The bubble marks a small return to normality.

Palau, one of only 15 countries to officially recognise the Chinese-claimed island's government, and whose president plans to visit Taiwan, has reported zero cases. 

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Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu described the Taiwan-Palau travel bubble as a “firm friendship” between the two.

The travel bubble will start in April, with two flights a week carrying 110 tourists each from Taiwan to Palau. Travellers must present negative coronavirus tests and join tour groups, in which they will be asked to follow social-distancing rules such as only visiting designated sites and hotels.

Taiwan will also take tourists travelling in groups from Palau.

Currently, Taiwan has only 29 active cases being treated in hospitals.