A senior official responsible for scientific research on severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus Tuesday warned China's scientists against negligence while working in laboratories with high biological risks.

Li Xueyong, chief coordinator for national SARS research project, said although no lab-related SARS cases had been reported, researchers should continue remain aware of potential dangers.

"Safety in labs with high biological risks should be the top priority," said Li, who is also Vice-Minister of Science and Technology.

Government authorities have banned cooperation on SARS between authorized research bodies and unauthorized groups or individuals, including international activities, in which safety loopholes might exist.

Li urged Chinese SARS researchers to do their best to prevent lab-related contamination, as in the two recent cases in Singapore and Taiwan.

The Ministry of Science and Technology, with other government departments, issued two provisional measures on SARS virus research, banning disqualified labs and unauthorized researchers, untested research methods, unauthorized virus preservation and specimen smuggling.

The ministry is planning to overhaul all authorized SARS research laboratories nationwide with the latest, unspecified safety measures.

China's first regulation on biological safety labs is also in the pipeline. It is soon to be submitted to the State Council for approval.

(Xinhua News Agency December 31, 2003)