Taipei, April 27 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian called on the private sector, local governments and the central government Sunday to coordinate their efforts to contain the spread of the potentially fatal severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Taiwan.
In a televised talk to the nation, Chen said that he will hold a national security meeting to discuss ways and means to combat the atypical pneumonia and will also invite leaders of the administrative and legislative branches, as well as leaders of the ruling and opposition parties to seek a national consensus in forming measures to stem the spread of the epidemic.
He urged the administrative and legislative branches of the government to cooperate in forming legislation and budgets necessary for defeating the disease.
Chen also expressed his appreciation to medical staffs who have been on the frontline to combat the epidemic and their family members, as well as to those who have been compelled to be quarantined and asked for their understanding and patience. "All compatriots are grateful for your sacrifice," he said.
The president asked the general public to stay calm in the face of the current outbreak of SARS and to follow the instructions of the health authorities regarding quarantine measures.
The government agencies should publish reports on situations of SARS spread with open and transparent manners to avoid speculations and panics of the general public, he instructed.
Taiwan has experienced many natural disasters, such as floods, typhoons and earthquakes, he stressed, adding that he believes that the country will also successfully overcome the challenges brought by SARS this time with the cooperation of all walks of life of the nation, regardless of their party affiliation.