Beijing's environmental protection administration Tuesday called for measures to prevent persons directly or indirectly affected by SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) from entering protected areas that house drinking water supplies.
According to a circular issued by the administration, SARS patients, suspected SARS patients and persons having had contact with SARS patients should be refrained from entering training centers and other facilities near sources of drinking water, especially the major reservoirs in Miyun, Huairou and other suburban areas.
Residents of these protected areas, in the event of suspected SARS infection or contact with SARS patients, should be transferred out as soon as possible, the circular says.
Given that the mode of SARS transmission via water is still uncertain, it says, special efforts should be made to protect drinking water as the safety of water supply is vital to people's lives.
The circular also urges the departments concerned to ensure thenormal and stable operation of sewage sterilization and treatment systems in Beijing.
(Xinhua News Agency May 7, 2003)
