World Health Organization (WHO) infection control expert Cathryn Murphy on Monday gave a positive comment on the preventive measures that the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government has taken against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) after concluding a four-day visit here.

"Macao has established an excellent monitoring system of SARS infection control and made good preparedness against the disease," said Murphy, an expert from the Department of Health of New South Wales, Australia.

She said that she is confident that the Macao SAR government will continue to work closely with WHO to retain its status as a non-infected place.

Murphy is the second WHO expert to make an inspection in Macao within two months. She raised advises that Macao can simplify the management of isolation wards and reduce the use of unnecessary equipment in order to lessen potential contacts of SARS virus transmission.

"It is an era that people are fearful even when the environment is immune of the disease," she said, suggesting that people can refer to WHO's guidelines on SARS prevention for health care workers and individuals.

Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Macao's Chief Executive met with Murphy on Monday afternoon and exchanged ideas with her on how to prevent the disease.

Edmund Ho Hau Wah said that visits of WHO experts boosted the confidence of the Macao SAR government in preventing SARS. Macao will take the advises and sustain its commitment in carrying out comprehensive and effective preventive measures.

(Xinhua News Agency May 5, 2003)