Putting SARS Into Perspective

[-=HUNGRYMAN=-]

Friday, April 04, 2003
Putting SARS Into Perspective:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
www.webmastersummit.com


With the Webmaster Summit, ( www.webmastersummit.com ), fast approaching, many webmasters are concerned about the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in Toronto. All kinds of questions are being asked. "Is it safe to attend the Webmaster Summit? How many people are sick? Are flights restricted in and out of Canada?". To answer some of the many questions and to ease your concerns, let us take a look at the facts.;

Ontario is reporting,(as of April 3, 2003),67 probable and 79 suspect cases. Which equals 146 cases. Considering that Ontario has a population count of over 12 million, (2 million of which reside in Toronto), 146 possible SARS infected people is a relatively small number.

Seven people have died from SARS in Canada. Five of which were over the age of 70, and all were afflicted with other serious health problems.

All of the SARS cases have occurred in people who traveled to Asia, had close contact with an infected person in the household or healthcare setting. Unless you are treating a SARS patient in the home or hospital, visiting a SARS patient, or recently traveled to and from Asia, your chances of becoming infected are very low.

The airlines have placed restrictions on flights with routes to and from Asia. There is currently no restrictions on flights coming in or out of Canada, to or from anywhere other than Asia. You will see signs on the walls of the terminals to create awareness of SARS. The signs will also instruct you on what to do if you should feel ill or suspect someone else of being sick.

The city of Toronto is not under quarantine. The residents are free to move about and enjoy their lives without having to wear masks and gloves. Remember, the people at the highest risk of contracting SARS are:
1. Healthcare providers of SARS patients.
2. Family members of SARS patients.
3. Travelers to and from Asia.
If you do not fit into any or all of these classifications your chances of contracting SARS is very, very low.

For questions concerning SARS, contact Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000 or
Health Canada: 1-800-454-8302




Upon careful review of all the facts, we are positive that Webmaster Summit will not be putting ANYBODY at risk, so it will go on as scheduled. We have planned an awesome event, and hope to see everybody there !

Regards,
The Webmaster Summit Team
http://www.webmastersummit.com


Resources:
World Health Organization
Health Canada
Centers for Disease Control
Toronto Public Health Board