A spokesman for the Constitutional Affairs Bureau of Hong Kong said that Hong Kong has taken appropriate and effective measures against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). All passengers departing Hong Kong will be checked to see if they have a temperature. Anyone who has symptoms of SARS will not be permitted to leave Hong Kong.

The spokesman said they hope that Taiwan will face up to the adverse implications of the new measures and seriously reconsider the need for such measures. Taiwan should consider lifting such measures in the interest of facilitating commercial, tourism and other exchanges between Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The new measures being introduced in Taiwan are unnecessary and uncalled for, he added.

"Only two days ago, Taiwan has announced measures to suspend granting entry permits on arrival to Hong Kong residents. In the last two days, the situation in Hong Kong in relation to SARS has not undergone major changes. There is no need for Taiwan to introduce even more stringent entry measures," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2003)