Taipei, July 5 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian was upbeat Saturday about Taiwan's removal from the World Health Organization's (WHO's) SARS-affected area list, but urged the public to remain vigilant against the potentially deadly disease while engaging in the resumption of normal activities.
Chen made the remarks at a festival sponsored by the Council of Agriculture and the Council for Cultural Affairs at the plaza in front of the Presidential Office to promote locally-grown fruit.
Claiming that there are too many people to thank and too many things to be remembered and treasured after going through the past few months, Chen said the spread of the epidemic has taught the Taiwan people a lesson -- that only love, caring, solidarity and cooperation can overcome any difficulties.
However, he reminded the public not to overlook the fact that the SARS virus has not been totally wiped out in Taiwan, warning that any letting down of the guard could lead to another outbreak.