Taipei, May 5 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Monday all people around the island should rally together to fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Chen made the appeal while meeting with senior executives of the Republic of China chapter of the Kiwanis International.
During the meeting, the Kiwanis representatives donated NT$3.5 million (US$100,000) for the nation's ongoing campaign against the potentially fatal flu-like disease. President Chen received the donation on behalf of the government.
All Kiwanis executives were required to have their temperatures checked before entering the Presidential Office in order to identify potential SARS carriers in time. "I'm sorry for inconveniences caused by such screening measures," Chen told his guests, adding that even he himself cannot take exception to the test. "I must take temperature before entering my office every morning."
Chen said he appreciates the Kiwanis donation in support of medical workers and volunteers who are on the front line in battling SARS. "I hope that all of our fellow countrymen will support the current fund-raising campaign to facilitate combat against the disease."
Noting that SARS is not a terminal ailment, Chen said, local people should not panic. "So long as we faithfully follow prevention tips offered by medical experts we can protect ourselves from contracting this new virus," he said, adding that every citizen can be a "warrior against SARS" by doing his or her part to help contain its spread.
Chen further said health-care workers and those who are subject to home quarantine over SARS risks deserve respect and recognition. As for quarantine breakers, Chen said they should be dealt with according to the law.
The president also expressed concern about health of Taiwan businesspeople operating in mainland China as well as SARS outbreaks in Hong Kong and mainland China. "I hope the epidemic can be controlled and wiped out soon in Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland China," he added.