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Following is the transcript of the media session by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, tonight (April 16) at the Central Government Offices New Annexe Conference Hall:
Chief Executive: To control the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome is the most important work of this Government. Over the past few weeks, all our efforts have been directed at how to control the spread of this disease, and our efforts are made in three different directions. Firstly, how to strengthen prevention, how to stop the spread of this disease. Secondly, to strengthen health checks across the border and thirdly, on the basis and foundation of the excellent work we have done on the medical front on the treatment of our patients, how we can even do a better job. So these are the areas we have been pushing very hard on and I would be very happy to elaborate on these issues with you.
The other announcement I would like to make is with regard to the opening of schools. Having considered the SARS disease and parents' concerns, and after very careful thought by Arthur Li, we have decided to reopen classes in phases. Form 3 and above students will resume classes next Tuesday, on April 22, Forms 1 and 2 and primary school pupils will tentatively resume classes on April 28. We will make a final decision on this next week after assessing the situation at that time. As for kindergartens, we will let the principals decide on their own. We will also adopt a series of measures to ensure that schools and school buses are kept clean and hygienic; we will also heighten the awareness of parents, teachers and pupils, school staff about personal and environmental hygiene and require them to take necessary protective measures. The Secretary for Education and Manpower will hold a press conference in a moment to explain the details.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion.)
End/Wednesday, April 16, 2003
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Floor/ Cantonese/ Putonghua/ English
