WHO expert Dr. Cathryn Murphy highly praised Macao’s preventive measures on SARS as she finished her five days visit in Macao.

After visiting medical facilities for consecutive days, she praised that Macao SAR Government was well prepared in many aspect of the prevention against SARS such as isolation facilities, protection for the staffs and in handling suspected cases

She said that she would rank Macao’s prevention on SARS highly in her report to WHO.

She said that she was not surprised at the zero record of SARS in Macao, as the government had prepared well to prevent the disease and Macao citizens had cooperated with the government.

On the other hand, she suggested that the Health Bureau should simplify the procedures of handling SARS patients, and minimized the numbers of frontline medical workers involved with treating SARS patients in order to lower the possibilities of contracting SARS by doctors.

She also reminded that protective equipments should be adequately used. And continuously educate medical workers on treating infectious disease.

However, she stressed that maintaining personal hygiene was the most effective way to prevent SARS. She emphasized that both medical workers and the public should always wash their hands correctly.

She believed that Macao SAR Government will make use of her comments and will reinforce the preventive measures on SARS.

Cathryn Murphy is joining her WHO colleagues in Beijing tomorrow and will visit the medical facilities in the Chinese capital.