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| Italy steps up measures to fight SARS |
| CCTV.COM 2003-05-15 10:05:21 |
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Italian Health Minister Girolamo Sirchia and a special task force met on Wednesday to review measures to fight severe acute respiratory syndrome （SARS） and prepare for possible emergencies during the flu season this fall.
Guido Bertolaso, head of Italy's Civil Protection Department who is also in charge of coordinating the country's anti－SARS campaign, said 86 additional doctors have been assigned to monitor passengers arriving from risk areas at 18 airports around the country.
Bertolaso said the extra staff would guarantee round－the－clock assistance at key airports.
"We want to be ready by autumn to face any possible emergencies," Sirchia said after meeting with representatives of different regions, which have been asked to suggest improvements to the plans being prepared by the task force.
Sirchia said the Italian government has already earmarked 50 million euros to deal with the SARS emergency.
Sirchia dismissed reports that the Health Ministry is planning mass vaccinations against SARS in September, but he said people over 65 years of age and children should take anti－flu shots.
He said Italy has well－equipped medical facilities and trained staff to deal with any emergencies and the ministry is also organizing a publicity campaign to educate the population on SARS.
Last week, the government approved tough measures against SARS, such as compulsory temperature checks on plane passengers from SARS－hit countries.
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Editor: Yang Feiyang Source:Xinhua
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