The China national anti-SARS headquarters on Sunday circulated new regulations throughout the country standardizing the campaign against the epidemic.
The notice said that through collaborative efforts from all areas of the nation the disease was under control and the normal order of the society was being restored. In order to solidify this result, it was essential to readjust some regulations in line with the practical situation.
According to the notice, all anti-SARS measures would go under the leadership of government and all equipment for medical treatment or quarantine could be removed. Those who come from areas that report no confirmed SARS cases for over 20 consecutive days may not necessarily be held in medical observation.
Even though people do not need to show health certificates while traveling, they are not permitted to board public vehicles unless their temperature is under 37.5-Celsius degrees, as prescribed by the notice.
No individuals or organizations are allowed to block transportation unless they are granted permission by the State Council. X-rays, which are harmful to health, cannot be conducted on normal people without reason.
All organizations and government departments should remove hurdles for rural workers returning to jobs in cities.
The notice finally said that it was safe to contact former SARS patients who had been discharged from hospital after complete recovery.
(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2003)
