US State Department cancels Hong Kong travel warning

Hong Kong today (June 11) welcomed the decision of the US State Department to cancel its travel warning for Hong Kong.

"This is welcome news, especially in the wake of the lifting of the travel advisory by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation," said the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa.

"The cancellation is further recognition overseas of our successful efforts to contain the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). It is also a strong assurance for US businessmen and travellers that Hong Kong is a safe place to visit," he said.

"We will, of course, remain vigilant and continue with the measures we have put in place to protect public health."

Speaking in Washington, the Hong Kong Commissioner to the United States, Miss Jacqueline Willis, said the State Department's action and that of the other organisations sent a strong signal that SARS was contained in Hong Kong, travel was safe, and Hong Kong would continue to protect public health.

"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," Miss Willis said.

"We thank the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and health professionals around the world for their remarkable co-operation as well as the support of the Hong Kong community," she said.

End/Wednesday, June 11, 2003