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10ACC will proceed
Statement on SARS Virus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
by Barry N Noller, President FACS
At the 43rd Executive meeting of the FACS, held at Melbourne, Australia 24 May 2003, the matter of the SARS virus and its possible impact on the holding of the
10ACC (and EURASIA conference) at Hanoi, Vietnam 20-24 October 2003 were discussed.
The following details were taken into account:
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Current information on the extent of occurrence of the SARS virus as reported by the WHO on the internet on
http://www.who.int/csr/sars/en/
including guidelines for persons attending public meetings
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The specific situation in Vietnam where there was only one ˇ°index caseˇ± and there has been no further infection in the last 8 weeks
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A pattern of enhanced control is emerging in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The current risk to people from SARS is therefore declining but not yet completely eliminated.
In order to allow for the consequences of both an improved situation and a future, unpredicted deterioration of the situation it was recommended at the 43rd FACS EXCO meeting:
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To proceed with holding the conference; and
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To review the situation during the week of 15 July 2003 and to confirm the decision to proceed with holding 10ACC or otherwise if the situation has deteriorated.
Delegates planning to attend 10ACC are asked to consult accurate sources of advice on extent of spread of SARS virus and its control such as the WHO internet page which gives current guidelines and information.
Please also contact me if you have any specific comments or questions.
Barry N Noller
President FACS
6 June 2003
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