The legislature yesterday approved an additional NT$159.893 billion (US$5.76 billion) of funding for COVID-19 relief and prevention — NT$170 million less than the Cabinet’s proposal of NT$160 billion. Approved by the Cabinet in September, the additional funds are to be allocated to COVID-19 prevention and control, and financial relief, including stimulus spending. However, following the completion of the legislature’s review on Wednesday, the proposed funding was cut by NT$170 million. COVID-19 prevention and control — including enhancing testing capacity, establishing screening stations, amd mass vaccination programs, opening COVID-19 consultation hotlines and procuring medication for treatment of patients — is to be allocated NT$18.9