SINGAPORE, April 24 (UPI) -- The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore endorsed steps taken by the Singaporean government to deal with the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome.
Newly appointed chamber chairwoman Kristin Paulson said the government deserved recognition for "a robust, highly coordinated and proactive strategy" that has involved the closing of schools, home quarantine restrictions, and the prompt tracking of SARS transmissions.
Several thousands cases of the highly communicable disease have been reports -- mostly in Asia -- and at least 250 people have died because of SARS since last November.
Paulson also praised the "open and transparent approach" toward the release of information about SARS and the ground-breaking use of technology, such as thermal imaging sensors at airports.
"In short, although the battle with SARS has not yet been won and there may be significant challenges ahead, AmCham believes the Singaporean authorities are taking the right steps, under extremely trying circumstances, to confront the SARS problem. Singapore has taken a leadership role, globally, in the fight against SARS and its approach is a model to be adopted by other countries," Paulson said.
The chamber said it would pass along information from Singapore to other chambers of commerce and U.S. government agencies to help companies make decision regarding travel to the region.
