A senior official said in Beijing on Saturday the proved effective measures to combat severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have given them confidence and capability to bring the disease under control.

"We are confident and capable even if there would be a possible new round of outbreak," said Cai Fuchao, the municipal publicity head, at a press conference.

Along with the notable decrease in the number of SARS cases over the last week, more and more people ease their concern over the flu-like disease and have begun to go shopping or eat in restaurants as before.

The increasing number of people in many public places poses a new challenge to Beijing's anti-SARS efforts, and the city authorities have taken measures to prevent SARS cases from rising again, said Cai.

The intensified preventive measures are focused on construction sites, schools and communities, as well as among healthy people, he said.

More specific measures will be adopted for better ventilation, disinfection and surrounding environment in public places, added Cai, who is also an official with the city's anti-SARS joint task force.

Theaters and Internet cafes that have been shut as a measure to prevent the SARS disease will remain closed, while more colorful cultural activities will be offered for citizens to spend the spare time.

The joint efforts of all citizens have been approved an most important factor for the current achievements in combating SARS in Beijing, said Cai, hoping they will further the efforts and strengthen their personal prevention to meet the new challenge.

Beijing witnesses downward trend of SARS cases

Beijing has seen a "notable downward" trend of SARS cases over the last week thanks to the government's effective disease control and treatment measures, Cai said.

The number of SARS patients in the city dropped markedly from May 17 to May 23, with the average confirmed SARS cases decreasing to 13.2 per day.

The daily average number of health workers infected with the SARS virus dropped from 15.81 during April 21 to May 1 to 1.1 in the last week.

Of the eight foreign SARS patients in Beijing, Cai said, seven have been discharged from hospitals upon recovery and one died.

The number of SARS cases were on the decrease amid increase in the number of discharged patients. Last week, Cai said, a total of 399 patients were discharged.

Preparations for Olympic 2008 not affected

The SARS epidemic will not affect the preparatory work for the 2008 Olympic Games. The internal preparatory work for the Games is still underway while some related public activities have been postponed, said Cai.

Beijing is deeply grateful to the "full support" of the International Olympic Committee to its fight against SARS, said Cai.

The designing and construction work of gymnasiums are still continuing for the 2008 Olympic Games to be held in Beijing.

The anti-SARS measures have paid off in Beijing, a city with a population of 13 million.

Beijing reported 26 new SARS cases and 3 new deaths from the disease from 10:00 am May 23 to 10:00 am May 24, the Ministry of Health said Saturday.

(People's Daily May 24, 2003)