China has set up the National Headquarters for Prevention and Control of SARS in Beijing. Premier Wen Jiabao urges the new task force to do solid work to combat the disease, since the country is now facing a serious epidemic.
He asks the headquarters to coordinate the work of local governments and departments, promptly and accurately report the changing situation and take effective measures against the disease.
It should strengthen the sterilization of train stations, airports and entry ports as well as public transport to cut the channels of the spread of the virus.
The office should make full use of domestic scientific resources and cooperate with other countries to find effective methods to fight the disease as soon as possible.
He says the prevention and treatment of SARS in rural areas should have priority while migrant workers in cities should be treated where they are.
He urges strengthening cooperation with the WHO, as well as with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
Premier Wen Jiabao also stresses it is the most important to prevent and control the disease in Beijing.
(cri.com April 26, 2003)
