Premier Yu Shyi-kun today instructed related ministries and agencies of the central government to maintain a record of zero-mortality, zero-community transmission, and zero-transmission abroad for SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), making Taiwan a model in international medical care. The premier asked the agencies to be fully committed to disease control by adopting exhaustive measures to prepare for the worst.
Premier Yu observed that according to the latest data, up to 806 SARS cases have been reported in China, 685 in Hong Kong, 92 in Singapore, 58 in Vietnam, and 13 in Taiwan. Compared to its neighbors, Taiwan has effectively contained the spread of the disease. The premier urged that the government and people must work collectively to prevent community transmission, save infected patients, and protect medical personnel who are in front line contact with SARS victims. In order to meet the responsibility of a member of the global community, he also called on the government and people to do their utmost to prevent SARS transmission from abroad as well as prevent local cases from spreading overseas.
Premier Yu today affirmed the efforts of the SARS Prevention Task Force, chaired by Executive Yuan Secretary-General Liu Shyh-fang. He also instructed the related ministries and agencies to jointly implement the following measures:
1.SARS control measures must be thoroughly conveyed to subordinate agencies at all levels. The central and local governments must cooperate and implement the measures from the highest right down to the lowest levels. Government heads and supervisors must carry out random inspections to ensure the effective enforcement of these measures.
2.The Department of Health (DOH) will strengthen professional training for medical, quarantine, and related administrative staff to ensure all citizens and basic medical personnel will have proper handling and treatment knowledge of SARS patients.
3.The DOH must maintain contact with foreign health agencies to be fully informed of the latest developments. The Mainland Affairs Council will provide assistance in the gathering of information about SARS in China so that the developments may be effectively monitored.
4.The Bureau of Immigration under the Ministry of the Interior and police agencies will make it their most urgent task to identify suspected SARS cases, track and monitor passengers who travel on the same flight.
5.The Council for Economic Planning and Development, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Ministry of Transportation and Communications will adopt effective contingency plans to minimize the possible impact on the economy, trade, and the tourism industry.
6.The Ministry of National Defense has produced an educational videotape on SARS, which is scheduled for broadcast during the weekly Jyuguang Day program at 9 a.m. tomorrow. The Central Personnel Administration, Ministry of Education, and Council of Labor Affairs will write to related agencies and institutions to provide accurate information about SARS prevention to civil servants, academic institutions, and businesses.
Last Update: April 4, 2003