There is huge relief among Asian airlines after the World
Health Organization declared that the SARS virus has now been contained
in all affected countries.

Taiwan was the last area to be removed from WHO’s
warning list.

Taiwan's tourist authorities are also planning a
USD$8.72 million publicity drive to tempt tourists back to the island.

In Singapore, a TV channel dedicated to SARS information
will close. In all, SARS was responsible for more than 800 deaths worldwide
and there were a total of 8,400 cases in 30 countries.

The SARS virus started in China’s Guangdong province,
on February 21 this year, when an infected medical doctor from Guangdong
checked into a Hong Kong hotel. Other guests were infected and spread
the virus when they travelled to their next destinations.