[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 108 (Monday, July 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A SAFE RETURN TO TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 21, 2003

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we know, the SARS epidemic 
took a great toll on Southeast Asia. China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, 
Singapore, Taiwan and Toronto were all affected. As of July 11, a total 
of over 8,400 persons fell victim to SARS, and over 800 died. Taiwan 
was the third hardest hit country, where 671 became ill and 84 died. 
Many of the SARS cases in Taiwan could be traced to a lapse of 
infection control procedures in a single hospital. Health authorities 
rapidly responded, upgrading the SARS surveillance system, tightening 
infection control procedures, and educating the population to quickly 
respond--to symptoms of a potential SARS infection. A key element to 
Taiwan's success was its ability to coordinate the responses of all 
relevant sectors. I commend the government of Taiwan for its highly 
effective handling of this health emergency.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to note that the SARS epidemic which 
had plagued Taiwan has now abated. On July 15, 2003, the Centers for 
Disease Control officially lifted the travel alert for Taiwan, with no 
new cases having been reported there in over a month. All known chains 
of person-to-person transmission of SARS have been broken. I am pleased 
to say that we may now feel confident in continuing, without fear, our 
travel to and business with this wonderful country.

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