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HONG KONG, Jun 19, 2003 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- The World Health Organization says Hong Kong might be removed from its list of SARS-affected areas as early as next week.
Channel News Asia said WHO Director-General Gro Harlem Brundtland conducted a Thursday inspection of the various measures taken by the Hong Kong government to stop the spread of SARS at Chek Lap Kok airport, including temperature checks for every arriving and departing passenger.
Asked if Hong Kong could soon be taken off of the list of SARS-affected areas, Channel News said Brundtland made no direct reply, saying only "when at least 20 days have passed since last transmission in the community, then, we change the criteria of that country."
But another WHO official said removal of a country from the infected list is automatic after 20 days. Hong Kong's last locally transmitted case occurred on June 2, so the city could be removed from the WHO list as early as Sunday if no more cases are reported.
Copyright 2003 by United Press International.
