World Health Organization (WHO) infection control expert Cathryn
Murphy on Monday gave a positive comment on the preventive measures
that the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government has
taken against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) after
concluding a four-day visit here.
"Macao has established an excellent monitoring system of SARS
infection control and made good preparedness against the disease,"
said Murphy, an expert from the Department of Health of New South
Wales, Australia.
She said that she is confident that the Macao SAR government will
continue to work closely with WHO to retain its status as a
non-infected place.
Murphy is the second WHO expert to make an inspection in Macao
within two months. She raised advises that Macao can simplify the
management of isolation wards and reduce the use of unnecessary
equipment in order to lessen potential contacts of SARS virus
transmission.
"It is an era that people are fearful even when the environment is
immune of the disease," she said, suggesting that people can refer
to WHO's guidelines on SARS prevention for health care workers and
individuals.
Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Macao's Chief Executive met with Murphy on
Monday afternoon and exchanged ideas with her on how to prevent the
disease.
Edmund Ho Hau Wah said that visits of WHO experts boosted the
confidence of the Macao SAR government in preventing SARS. Macao
will take the advises and sustain its commitment in carrying out
comprehensive and effective preventive measures.
(Xinhua News Agency May 5, 2003)