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Bascome issues assurances on SARS

Nelson Bascome

All possible steps to protect and prepare the Island for an outbreak of SARS had been taken, Health Minister Nelson Bascome said yesterday.

He said the approach by the Ministry had been to focus on prevention and education, however, he said his department was structured to adapt to the continuous changes and developments of the life-threatening disease.

But he said the key was for Bermuda to stay alert to the risks and for residents to continue educating themselves about the contagious illness, and to that end, from next week, Government will have a website specifically dedicated to SARS.

He said: "Contrary to recent comments, although not necessarily in the public domain, the Government of Bermuda has done much by way of preparation for this disease, and has followed the guidelines set by the World Health Organisation to protect this country from possible exposure to SARS.

"This Government is acutely aware that we have started the busy travel period. In addition to the weekly cruise ship arrivals, Bermuda residents travel on business to places like Toronto and Hong Kong.

"Bermudian students studying in Canada and Britain will be returning home shortly and several local schools have organised study trips abroad.

"The possible exposure of any of these travellers to possible or suspected cases of SARS is minimal. However, there is no reason to panic if the guidelines provided by the World Health Organisation and the Department of Health are followed."

Mr. Bascome said the mode of transmission of SARS, which is a flu-like illness that has so far inflicted hundreds of people, killing many, in 28 countries, was by droplets due to close contact with the patient.

"The incubation period is short, up to ten days," he added. "The severity of the illness is extremely low; only ten percent become ill.

"The majority of cases are hospital workers and household contacts."

Mr. Bascome said SARS had not been found on the Island or on a Bermudian, and fears that a Bermudian in Canada had the illness turned out to be unfounded.

The Minister said by way of education, his department had:

Prepared a document entitled Guidelines for Public Health Management of Cases and Contact;

Produced a Health Alert Notice for international travellers;

Notified all physicians practising in Bermuda of the department's requirements;

Posted public notice at the Bermuda International Airport; and

Given advice to employers and members of the public intending to travel.

Under prevention, the Ministry had:

Maintained contact with the World Health Organisation for information on new developments;

Established protocols through the Emergency Measures Organisation;

Provided a questionnaire for passengers arriving from Toronto, Canada;

Posted a qualified public health officer at the Bermuda International Airport for flights arriving from Toronto, Canada;

Maintained a public health nurse at the airport to assist with arriving passengers; and

Ensured that the Bermuda Hospitals Board has a contingency plan to address possible and suspected cases.

Mr. Bascome said the Ministry will also provide travel agencies and others with the necessary information to properly inform potential travellers of any associated risk, including cruise ships, which have already established protocols and quarantine rooms on board.

"In the meantime, the Government will continue to liaise with the World Health Organisation and other agencies to maintain the latest information on the development of the disease," added the Minister.

"We have encouraged members of the public to contact the Department of Health's Nurse Epidemiologist for any immediate concerns and our chief medical officer Dr. John Cann has been updating the public where necessary about the disease.

"With all of these initiatives, I, as Minister of Health, am assured that all possible steps to protect and prepare the people of Bermuda in addressing any event of a person contracting SARS in Bermuda have been taken."