Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Monday Beijing has made progress in the fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) but the situation still remains grave.

A great deal of arduous work has to be done to bring the epidemic under control at an early date, the premier said during an inspection tour to Xiaotangshan Hospital, a field hospital built in the northern suburbs of Beijing. More than 7,000 workers built the SARS hospital in eight days.

Wen urged leaders and cadres at all levels to work hard to curb SARS, by adhering to scientific principles and depending on the masses. Leading cadres must be strict with themselves and dereliction of duty will be punished harshly.

He also asked medical workers to take good care of themselves while attending SARS patients.

"It is very important to do the job well in Beijing, which is the capital and the political and cultural center of the country," he said.

The central authorities have drawn out plans and the Beijing municipal government has adopted a series of practical measures to combat SARS, Wen said, adding, "the key is implementing them."

(Xinhua News Agency May 5, 2003)