WHO to Reconsider Travel Advisory in Toronto

April 28, 2003

WHO to Reconsider Travel Advisory in Toronto
Canadian health officials say the World Health Organization (WHO) has agreed to meet this week to review the travel advisory issued last week urging citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Toronto. Medical officials in Canada maintain the statement that "Toronto continues to be a safe place to visit."

According to CNN.com, Dr. Colin D’Cunha, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, shared his optimism Friday that the advisory would be repealed. "If the decision is scientifically based, in my view, if there is no demonstration of community transmission in the next three days – I’ve counted down two incubation periods – and from a scientific standpoint there’s no doubt in my mind," he said.

The Canadian government will contribute $10 million toward a marketing campaign to boost the image of Toronto, crippled by the fears of SARS.

Health Canada was reporting 341 probable or suspect cases of SARS in the country in addition to the 18 deaths, another 663 Canadians were in quarantine.

For more on this story, visit CNN.com.