stds-802-16: Session #25 and SARS
802.16's Session #25 <http://ieee802.org/16/meetings/mtg25> is
scheduled for 12-15 May 2003 in Singapore, in conjunction with
meetings of the other 802 wireless groups.
There has been quite a bit of discussion about the impact of Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) on the meetings. For example, the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) "advises that
people planning elective or non-essential travel to mainland China
and Hong Kong; Singapore; and Hanoi, Vietnam may wish to postpone
their trips until further notice"
<http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r030329.htm>.
There are also some concerns about visa requirements
<http://www.mfa.gov.sg/consular/visa/visa_reqforeign.htm>. Nationals
of some countries will require a visa. The application
<http://www.sir.gov.sg/visitor_sc/visaappln.html> requests a "Letter
of Introduction-LOI" issued by a Local Contact in Singapore. It's not
clear who might issue such a letter to 802 attendees.
802.15 Chair Bob Heile is the primary contact for this meeting and
received a report from the hotel on March 29 (see below). The
wireless chairs will be holding a teleconference tomorrow. Please
feel free to let me know of any concerns so I can relay them.
Roger
>I am forwarding, for your consideration, this information I received
>from the Hotel regarding the current situation in Singapore . I
>found it quite informative and comprehensive. Helps explain some of
>the actions being taken without the sensationalism of recent press.
>Pass along as you see fit.
>
>Bob Heile
>
>>Dear Sara
>>
>>I received your email earlier and have been working on the latest
>>update that I could put together specially for you and Bob hence
>>there was a slight delay and I do apologies for it.
>>
>>Thank you for confirming your event at Raffles City Convention
>>Center. We are looking forward to hosting your
>>group with much anticipation. We do understand your concerns and as
>>a result of the developments over the last few days, we would like
>>to communicate to you the latest information on both the Severe
>>Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the steps we have taken
>>regarding safety and security in light of the events around the
>>world.
>>
>>Recently Asia have been a source of extensive media coverage
>>regarding the outbreak and spread of Severe Acute Respiratory
>>Syndrome (SARS) and , unfortunately in this respect, Singapore has
>>received more then its fair share of attention, although mostly in
>>recognition of the more extensive precautionary measures taken by
>>the Ministry of Health. It is important to understand that the
>>Singapore's Health authority has stated that they believe the
>>situation is under control as they have taken various steps to
>>mitigate problems in relation to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
>>(SARS).
>>
>>It has become apparent most recently that the original disease
>>likely began in The People's Republic of China in November, and
>>that it migrated to Hong Kong in February which has caused the
>>spread from there. The original carriers who brought the disease to
>>Singapore stayed in Hongkong where a China based person affected by
>>the disease was residence.
>>
>>In Singapore the original carriers have been hospitalized and
>>unfortunately has transmitted the disease to their immediate family
>>members and hospital staff , and this was in the early days when
>>not much was known about the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
>>(SARS) and with the assistance of World Health Organization (WHO)
>>and the American based Center for Diseases Control (ACDC), this is
>>now largely alleviated for more information of the exact statues
>>Severe acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) one can obtain from their
>>website and "URL are as follows:
>>
>>WHO : www.who.int
>>ACDC : www.cdc.gov
>>
>>The method of transmitting the disease from one person to another
>>is only through very close contact when body fluid can be
>>transmitted between two persons. This means that general public is
>>not likely to be effected by the disease so long as they are not in
>>contact with a carrier of the disease. The Singapore's Health
>>Authority and all government related bodies have quickly taken
>>actions to isolate those who have the disease and quickly acted by
>>setting aside one hospital for treatment of this disease, hence
>>this area is now quarantined so as to prevent transmission of the
>>Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outward.
>>
>>Activities within the community are completely normal and we are
>>handling tourists, corporate meetings, conferences and incentive
>>programs as normal. In this respect we feel the it might be of
>>benefit to send you the attached the latest advisory we have
>>received on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and updates
>>from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education of Singapore.
>>The attached press releases explain the reasons behind the recent
>>decisions made by the Ministries are only as a precautionary step.
>>
>>(See attached file: Advisory on SARS. 26.03.03.doc)(See attached
>>file: MOH UPDATE, 26.03.03.doc)(See attached file: Joint Press rlse
>>MOE & MOH.doc)
>>
>>
>>We are also pleased to provide information about the security
>>arrangements at the Raffles City Complex where our hotels are
>>located. Since it opening in 1986 the Raffles City Hotels ( Raffles
>>The Plaza and Swissotel The Stamford) have hosted many high level
>>events, which required extraordinary security measures. We would
>>like to ensure IEEE802.11/802.15 interim meeting organizer's that
>>we will take precaution to ensure the safe and successful operation
>>of this prestigious event.
>>
>>Only last year, Singapore was singled out as being one of the two
>>most safe and secure cities in the world. We believe, that this
>>recognition is still valid in convincing you and your management
>>likewise.
>>
>>If there is anything further we can do, any questions you might
>>have or any information that you might require further, please let
>>us know. Once again we look forward to welcoming your delegates to
>>your conference at both Raffles City Convention Center and Raffles
>>City Hotels.
>>
>>
>>
>>Your sincerely
>>
>>Gerald A. Hendrick
>>Director of Sales - ICE
>>Raffles The Plaza & Swissotel The Stamford 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882
>>Tel No: (65) 6431 5557
>>Fax No: (65) 6336 8783
>>Email: gerald.hendrick@swissotel.com