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| Foreign Ministry briefs diplomats on SARS prevention |
| CCTV.COM 2003-04-24 09:04:35 |
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reaching out to Beijing's diplomatic community to update them on the prevention and treatment of SARS. The ministry set up a special meeting on Wednesday as part of a broader campaign to ensure the safety of expatriates in China.
Concern about the killer disease among diplomatic missions in China's capital is growing. That's why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has held a special conference to clarify the nature of the disease and offer expert advice on its prevention.
The head of the Diplomatic Service Bureau briefed the gathering on what's been done to tackle SARS since the disease emerged in Beijing.
Zhai Zhiming, director of Diplomatic Service Bureau, said: "On April 1, we engage specialist in communicable disease Tang Yaowu and under his advice, we have done a lot of work. On April 3, the Housing Service Corporation has made a top priority to have public places in the diplomatic compound disinfected. "
Information on the disease has been issued and limits put on personnel going into diplomatic compounds. In addition, the Housing Service Corporation has set up an emergency management mechanism.
China's leading virologist in the fight against SARS, Zhong Nanshan, was at the meeting to offer a detailed assessment of the disease and what can be done to minimize its spread.
Zhong Nanshan, virologist of China, said: "One essential point is to have good indoor ventilation. Prophylactic anti－virus treatment is advised. Masks may be used but there is no conclusive evidence as to whether it's useful."
The international personnel were also notified of their access to medical services in case of any suspected SARS cases. Four hospitals in the Chinese capital are designated for diplomats and foreign nationals. These are the Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics, the International SOS Clinic, and Peking Union Medical College Hospital.
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Editor: Zhao Xuan CCTV.com
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