Minister Issues SARS Update to House

Health Minister Jane Purves told members of the legislature today, April 23, that the province continues to be actively involved in measures aimed at controlling the further spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

In a statement, the minister said there are still no suspect or probable cases of SARS in Nova Scotia.

She told members of the House that the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that people travelling to Toronto consider postponing all but essential travel.

Ms. Purves said the World Health Organization is "a very credible organization" and she recommends that Nova Scotians consider this advisory when making travel plans.

The WHO advisory is expected to be re-evaluated in three weeks.

Ms. Purves said Health Department personnel have been working with their colleagues in federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions on a "similar but more specific" travel advisory that would cover certain areas of Toronto. "If there are changes to our guidelines as a result, we will hold an immediate media briefing."

Ms. Purves said she will also be taking part in a conference call of federal, provincial and territorial health ministers tonight to talk about SARS developments, including Ontario's request for assistance in providing critical care doctors and nurses.

"I will continue to inform the House as the work to prevent the spread of this disease continues in Nova Scotia and across the country," she said.