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Following is the welcome statement by the Hong Kong Commissioner to the United States, Miss Jacqueline Willis, in response to the US State Department's lifting of its travel warning for Hong Kong:
"Today, I join with the people of Hong Kong in welcoming the US State Department's revision of its Hong Kong travel warning.
This latest revision, along with the lifting of the Hong Kong travel advisory earlier by both the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), send a strong signal that severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is contained in Hong Kong, travel is safe, and Hong Kong will continue to protect public health.
The revision is based on sound science and recognition of the strength of Hong Kong's health and medical system. The containment of the virus is of particular reassurance to global travelers - especially here in the United States.
As we return to normal, we want to continue to reassure the world that we remain vigilant in our efforts to combat this virus. We now have in place many new procedures that will help ensure containment of the virus.
We thank the CDC and health professionals around the world for their remarkable cooperation as well as the support of the Hong Kong community.
Even in adversity, Hong Kong proved itself resilient and inspiring. These same qualities will serve us well in the months ahead as Asia's world city welcomes back the world and emerges stronger than before.
The US State Department revised travel information can be found on the following Web Site: [ http://travel.state.gov/hongkong_warning.html]
End/Wednesday, June 11, 2003
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