Press Releases

Alert Level (a) of SARS response system activated

The Government announced today (December 17) that the Alert Level (a) of the three-level emergency response system relating to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has been activated following the confirmation of a SARS case by laboratory tests in Taiwan involving a laboratory researcher.

An emergency response command structure involving senior officials from the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority have been put in place. It would monitor the developments closely and decide on appropriate action in anticipation of problems.

According to the Government's emergency response system on SARS, the Alert Level will be activated when there is (a) laboratory confirmed SARS case(s) outside Hong Kong; or (b) there is a SARS Alert (falling within the World Health Organization definition) in Hong Kong.

Ends/Wednesday, December 17, 2003
NNNN