Extra $200 million to fight SRS

The government is to ask the Legislative Council's Finance Committee for an initial amount of $200 million to help control the outbreak of severe respiratory syndrome (SRS) in Hong Kong.

The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Che Hwa, wants the funds to strengthen infection control and treatment of the disease as well as for public health education.

The decision came at a meeting called by Mr Tung of his Principal Officials to thoroughly review and assess the spread of atypical pneumonia. They also looked at the progress of treatment of patients and measures to deal with the disease.

Mr Tung emphasised that he was concerned about the impact of the disease on the community. He said it had been the government's top priority to tackle the illness since its outbreak.

During the two-hour meeting, he repeated the pledge to deploy all necessary resources to prevent and treat the disease. And said there was a need to assess the circumstances on a daily basis.

The Chief Executive advised residents not to go to work or school in the unfortunate event that one of their family members contracted the disease.

Mr Tung directed all relevant authorities to review present measures to better guard against the spread of the disease, as well as contingency measures.

He said that maintaining personal hygiene was the most effective way to guard against atypical pneumonia.

The Chief Executive again paid tribute to medical and nursing staff for their selfless devotion to public service.

End/Tuesday, March 25, 2003