World Pneumonia Day and COVID-19

First and foremost, happy World Pneumonia Day (12 Nov 2020).

I personally find that the significance of World Pneumonia Day this year has been greatly redefined by the COVID-19 pandemic. Pneumonia is the infection and inflammation of lungs that lead to fluid-filled air sacs (alveoli). This respiratory disease has long existed and therapeutic solutions against it includes vaccines and steps to lower its risk factors such as smoking. However, with the current pandemic affecting every country, the availability of medical oxygen has been put into attention - thus, this year's theme is 'Every Breath Counts'.

1989 Taiwan - Anti-smoking campaign

Pneumonia was not as popular in philately compared to other medical themes such as Tuberculosis, Malaria, diabetes, AIDS, and now, COVID-19.

Speaking of COVID-19 stamps, they fetch quite a premium with most, if not all, sold at several times their face value. Hence, after weeks of browsing through stamps that were offered by local sellers, I felt that the stamps issued by Taiwan accurately reflect on the current situation in most countries. 

The first stamp (NT$13) depicts the role of medical health workers and people in the frontline ensuring community safety such as sanitization services, temperature checks, and the role of doctors and nurses in the health sector. Highlighted on the stamps are medical health workers, environmental protection workers, and the responsible public. 

The second stamp (NT$15) in a clockwise manner depicts manufacturing of surgical face masks (pharmaceutical and medical products), handwashing, medical research on the virus, vaccine development, public compliance shown by wearing of masks in public transportation, and home quarantine. 

Collectively, the stamps that are printed in a se-tenant gutter is a brilliant design showing the efforts to combat the virus.

2020 Taiwan - Combat Corona Campaign

On a side note, I do hope that the market prices of other COVID-19 stamps would later on be realized closer to their face value although that thought is perhaps selfish considering the number of people buying in bulk as 'investment'. 

Note on stamps:

1. Taiwan 1989 Multicolored NT$3 - Anti-smoking campaign
Watermark: You (Post)
Perforation: 13.5 x 12.5 

2. Taiwan 2020 Multicolored NT$13 & NT$15 - Combat Corona Campaign 
No wmk.
Perforation: 12.5 

More info on the Combat Corona Campaign stamp can be found on Chunghwa Post's website.
https://www.post.gov.tw/post/internet/U_english2/index.jsp?ID=35020104&news_no=44461&control_type=page&news_cat=204&group_name=&news_type=latest_news



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