New actions by the health ministers of Asian countries and the Pacific Rim to combat the deadly SARS disease were agreed upon. After necessary negotiations in Bangkok, on Saturday, the ministers issued a joint statement deciding to conduct necessary tests on travelers from areas infected with the SARS virus upon their arrival at airports. They also committed to ensuring that preventive measures against the SARS-like disease do not hinder trade in their countries. On Friday, the World Health Organization announced that since the outbreak of SARS in southern China late last year, the disease has caused the death of 810 people worldwide. The organization also added that currently the disease is under control but emphasized that necessary precautions must continue.
New Actions by Asian Health Ministers to Combat SARS - 2003-06-29
Asian health ministers convened in Bangkok to coordinate efforts against SARS, agreeing to test travelers from infected regions and ensure that trade is not disrupted by preventive measures. The World Health Organization reported 810 deaths globally from the outbreak, which began in southern China.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Asian health ministers met in Bangkok to agree on measures to combat SARS, including testing travelers from infected areas and ensuring trade is not disrupted. The WHO reported a total of 810 deaths from the outbreak since it began.
- SARS outbreak originated in southern China and has led to 810 deaths worldwide.
- Health ministers agreed on testing protocols for travelers to prevent further spread.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is a viral respiratory illness that emerged in 2002-2003, causing significant health and economic impacts globally.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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