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)