Speaking during a school visit on the first day of the full resumption of classes at secondary schools, Li said that for the past two weeks, the number of SARS patients discharged from hospital had been much greater than those admitted with the disease.

"Although it seems that the situation appears to be under control, we should not let loose our guard and this is why we announced the new measure today," Li said.

Under the new measure, if a staff member or student of a school is suspected to have contracted SARS, the school must suspend classes for 10 days with effect from the first day of sick leave taken by the patient.

If the suspected case turns out not to be SARS, the Department of Health (DH) will inform the Bureau to arrange resumption of classes as soon as practicable.

Also, if any family member or person in close contact with a staff member or student is suspected to have contracted the virus, the staff member or student must stay away from school for home confinement or home observation for 10 days.

The home confinement or home observation will finish as soon as DH confirms that the suspected case is not SARS.

Li also appealed to parents to join hands to overcome the disease.

In addition to taking their children's temperature, parents should emphasize the importance of personal hygiene to their children, such as washing hands frequently, and preparing face masks and tissue paper, he said.

The Education and Manpower Bureau will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and announce class resumption arrangements for primary schools, special schools and kindergartens at a later date.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2003)