FACT SHEET - NEW CASES OF SARS

May 26, 2003
Ottawa, Ontario

We are concerned about the discovery of new cases of SARS in Toronto. On May 25, Health Canada officials provided the WHO with the updated number of 8 probable and 26 suspect cases to date.

These new cases can be traced back to the original outbreak, and transmission was likely through a hospital setting. It is not as a result of travel.

Toronto public health officials are taking the lead for the investigation of these new cases. Health Canada continues to provide advice and support to provincial and public health authorities. Health Canada officials are also in regular and frequent contact with the World Health Organization (WHO) to keep them fully informed of the situation in Canada.

The WHO has placed Toronto back on its list of SARS-affected areas. There is no travel advisory against Toronto. This is a decision we expected.

The Government of Canada continues to take the health and safety of Canadians very seriously. We are continuing to investigate and learn more about SARS. This is a disease that we will have to deal with for some time.

Enhanced screening measures for travellers

Quarantine officers from Health Canada remain on site at Vancouver, Toronto and Dorval airports. These health professionals will continue to monitor incoming passengers from Asia.

Any airplane passengers on flights from Asia who are discovered to be ill en route to Canada are assessed immediately by a Quarantine Officer upon landing and if indicated, are referred at once to a medical facility for diagnosis and care.

Travellers entering Canada on direct flights from Asia must complete key health related questions on yellow Health Alert Notices.

Flight attendants are asking passengers to fill out a traveller tracing form (also known as contact information cards) that will enable health authorities to contact passengers over a two-week period after their arrival in Canada, if necessary.

Pearson and Vancouver airports are evaluating experimental temperature monitoring equipment to assist with the early identification of SARS.

At Pearson International and Toronto Island airports, Health Canada strategically positioned thousands of cherry coloured Health Alert Notices that direct departing domestic and international travellers not to travel if they think they may have symptoms of SARS. There is also a toll-free line (1-800-454-8302) listed for more information, and medical professionals are available on-site to assist as necessary.

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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555