Continued from Page 1

"However, it is important for a number of reasons that we use our resources very effectively."

The Central Policy Unit task force which has been established as a policy coordination committee to deal with the economic impact of September 11 attacks on the United States has been expanded by several members, the Premier announced.

The primary purpose of the group is to ensure that resources are used effectively, he said.

"We think that this is a particularly good move because the Central Policy Unit is particularly well placed to foster cross ministry initiatives... The group will be charged with developing a strategic response and making available timely information. Government is taking measured and prudent steps to ensure public safety and provide the best advice that we can."

Dr. Edward Schultz, head of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital's emergency department, said that if anyone did become infected with anthrax, it would likely be people returning to the Island who have been exposed overseas, or people from diverted aircraft or ships which have been subject to an attack.

He said appropriate steps had been taken to deal with such situations, adding: "We want you to know that this has been well thought out, well planned out and we have the knowledge and equipment to respond if we were required to do so.

"We also have the capability to check for anthrax in our hospital," Dr. Schultz said, but he stressed the possibility of Bermuda being a primary target for an attack is "virtually non-existent".