Prevent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Make Sure the Trap Is Not Dry Recent investigations have revealed the presence of coronavirus in the stools of many SARS patients where it could survive for several days. Cracks or defects in the drain pipes or dried traps thus make it possible for the disease to spread. The drain pipes of most buildings are connected with the wash-hand basins/wash-up sinks, the bathtubs/shower trays, the water closets and the floor drains of individual flats. Each of these sanitary fitments is fitted with a trap (including U shaped water trap, bottled trap or anti-syphonage trap) to prevent foul smell and insects in the soil pipe from entering into the premises. To ensure this preventive mechanism function properly, the water traps must be filled with water. Prevent the trap from drying and disinfect drain outlets: Inspect wash-hand basins/wash-up sinks, bathtubs/shower trays, water closets and floor drains. (Qualified technicians can be hired for inspection and repair.) Make sure: Each of the above sanitary fitment is fitted with a trap; The trap is fitted properly; There is no crack or defect; and No leakage. Pour about half a litre of water into each drain outlet regularly (about once a week).Then, pour a teaspoon of 1:99 diluted household bleach solution into the drain outlet. Finally, spray insecticide into the drain outlet. Repair immediately if there is defect in the trap or smell of foul air coming out from drain outlets.