For the first time since Beijing began recording high numbers of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) cases in April, no new SARS patient was admitted into hospital in the Chinese capital on Thursday.

In addition, the combined number of new SARS patients and new suspect patients fell to nine, dropping to a single digit for the first in the past 40 days.

"All the three new SARS cases were formerly suspect patients who had been confined in hospital. In other words, there was no new infection among people in Beijing," said Liang Wannian, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Health Bureau.

The war on SARS in Beijing could be divided into three phases, Liang acknowledged. The number of SARS patients soared in the period from April 21 to the end of the month, maintaining at around 90 and 100 cases a day with the maximum of over 150.

The number of new SARS patients recorded a drastic decrease in the May 1-9 period, and has been at a single digit since May 19.

According to his analysis of the epidemic situation in Beijing, Liang said, the rapid surge and then decline is a result of prompt, resolute measures taken by the municipal government.

He predicted that there might continue to be a very small number of new SARS patients until the end of June.

"The zero report of new SARS patients is a satisfying result, along-cherished aspiration of all residents in Beijing. May 29 was the most joyous day since I took up my post on April 22," Liang said.

Liang called for redoubled efforts in controlling SARS cases and warned against any relaxation.

(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2003)