Press Release of the Offshore Control Division of the Executive Yuan's SARS Epidemic Prevention, Control and Relief Committee
The Offshore Control Division declared that we are now at a crucial point in our efforts to prevent and control the spread of the SARS epidemic, and that in many infected areas relevant epidemic situations are still not completely transparent. Having considered that the priority should be given to the SARS prevention and control efforts, the Offshore Control Division has decided to extend for another month (until June 28, 2003) the current suspension on issuing Hong Kong residents temporary visas for visits of up to fourteen days (landing visas). Yet Hong Kong residents may still apply for entry permits for the purpose of conducting business deals, visiting sick relatives, attending funerals, or other urgent matters, if they can produce the required documentation (a health certificate stating that they are without SARS symptoms, a guarantee statement from their liaison in Taiwan, etc.). The government will continue to closely monitor the developments in SARS-affected areas, and adjust all preventive measures accordingly.