Foreign students in north China's Hebei Province have not succumbed to the widespread panic over severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and decided to continue their studies.
"We are still living a normal life, though we have to take some prevention measures in daily life against SARS," said Lee Sang Dae, a student from the Republic of Korea studying in China.
"Of course, I am a bit afraid of the disease," said the 32-year- old, adding that he is keeping a close watch through the media on the spread of SARS.
Lee is a junior student studying Chinese in Hebei Normal University, north China's Hebei Province. He said he had thought about suspending his studies in China and returning home when he first heard about the disease.
However, after attending lectures on SARS and its prevention held specially for foreign students in his university, Lee knew the disease was preventable.
Prevention measures, such as washing hands with disinfectant and keeping ventilation in rooms, were advised as effective. "As a standard precaution, I'm wearing a mask to give this interview," Lee said.
According to officials with the Foreign Affairs Office of the provincial government, none of the foreign students and experts working in Hebei have been reported to be infected with SARS and all have received professional guidance on prevention of the disease.
With free supplies of herbal medicine, masks and thermometers for students, the local epidemic prevention department also disinfects the whole campus, including student dormitories, every second day, Lee said.
Group activities in the university are either canceled or postponed. Teachers give classes on the Internet and students can get tuition over the telephone. Self-study is also encouraged by the university authority.
(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2003)
