Cordial calls, flowers and fresh fruit from relatives and the public at large have been pouring into the quarantined buildings in Hangzhou, where three SARS cases have been confirmed.

"The sacrifices you have made in the fight against SARS heighten our optimism further that we can surmount all types of difficulties," the Municipal Party Secretary Wang Guoping said in an on-line message to those living in the quarantined building through a local BBS (bulletin board system) forum.

"I feel very proud of you as residents of my city," Wang said.

Two weeks ago, the municipal disease control and prevention departments began isolating people who had had contact with confirmed or suspected SARS patients.

To date, 80 epidemic or observation sites of spots have been designated and put under quarantine and observation by the provincial and city authorities.

The quarantine was carried out in accordance with the relevant Chinese Laws on the Control and Prevention of Epidemic Diseases, said Zhou Kun, deputy director of the Zhejiang provincial health department.

"The understanding and cooperation shown and expressed by residents of the quarantined areas constitutes the strongest form of support we have received in the fight against SARS," Zhou said.

Local community officials and companies have also been aroused to provide the quarantined residents with a range of services, including meal service, and the purchase of food rice or even lottery tickets.

"Let's unite and tide over this hardship," said netizens and ordinary people, while exchanging their best wishes for those quarantined via the Internet.

The appeal to express sympathy and respect for those quarantined has received an enthusiastic response from a large number of familiar and new residents and organizations.

Many Hangzhou-based newspapers have sent free papers to those living under quarantine sites. Pharmaceutical companies have donated free vitamins to improve immunity, while hospitals have opened hotlines for SARS-related psychological assistance.

Meanwhile, the relevant authorities have formed three special teams to provide quarantined people with daily necessities, handle and sterilize their trash and waste materials and provide prompt, emergency medical services.

"Despite being quarantined, we continue to feel at ease and connected closely to society," a lady surnamed Lou told Xinhua over the telephone. Lou and dozens of households are quarantined in an apartment in the city's Shangcheng District.

Lady Lou received a total of 66 calls to solicitude her on April 23 alone. "I'm sure that the victory over SARS is in sight, in view of the various measures being taken," Lou said with a sense of confidence.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2003)